Dave Zirin

Sports Editor

Dave Zirin is the sports editor at The Nation. He is the author of 11 books on the politics of sports. He is also the coproducer and writer of the new documentary Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL.

The New York Knicks celebrate with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130–93 in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

How Racism Shadows the 250th—With Eddie Glaude... and The Knicks! How Racism Shadows the 250th—With Eddie Glaude... and The Knicks!

Author and Professor Eddie Glaude joins the show to talk new book and Arya returns to talk about the NBA Finals.

Jun 4, 2026 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

The FIFA World Cup trophy sits inside of a case during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026.

Soccer’s Shadow and Sunlight: the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Borders Soccer’s Shadow and Sunlight: the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Borders

Karim Zidan and Ben Gucciardi join the show.

May 28, 2026 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Dr. Harry Edwards is inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in San Francisco on May 15, 2025.

Dr. Harry Edwards on the NAACP’s Call to Boycott Gerrymandering States Dr. Harry Edwards on the NAACP’s Call to Boycott Gerrymandering States

The 83-year-old sociologist and activist reflects on what is missing in the current effort to organize athletes politically.

May 27, 2026 / Dave Zirin

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before their game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2026, in Sacramento,

Is Victor Wembanyama the Most Interesting Person in Sports? Is Victor Wembanyama the Most Interesting Person in Sports?

He’s a contender for the spot not so much for who he is now but because of the person he is clearly becoming.

May 20, 2026 / Dave Zirin

Jason Collins, #98 of the Brooklyn Nets, speaks with the media prior to a game against the Denver Nuggets on February 27, 2014, in Denver, Colorado.

The Uncommon Bravery of Jason Collins The Uncommon Bravery of Jason Collins

The death of the NBA’s first openly gay player at 47 underscores a hard truth: Male professional sports remains hostile terrain for openly queer athletes.

May 14, 2026 / Dave Zirin

Washington Wizards' John Wall, left, and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, pose for photos after Tatum announced that the Wizards had won the first pick in the NBA basketball draft lottery in Chicago, Sunday, May 10, 2026.

The NBA Lottery, Those Nova Knicks, and Movies We Love to Hate The NBA Lottery, Those Nova Knicks, and Movies We Love to Hate

Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk NBA lottery and movies.

May 13, 2026 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

WNBA’s Angel Reese attending the Met Gala in New York City on May 4, 2026.

WNBA Players Should Have Picketed, Not Attended, the Met Gala WNBA Players Should Have Picketed, Not Attended, the Met Gala

At the Bezos ball, WNBA stars chose celebrity over solidarity.

May 8, 2026 / Dave Zirin

How De La Soul Changed Hip Hop And The World

How De La Soul Changed Hip Hop And The World How De La Soul Changed Hip Hop And The World

Austin McCoy joins the show to discuss his new book on De La Soul

May 7, 2026 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Pro-Palestinian protesters and laborers are gathered outside of the Federal Building to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza during May Day in Oakland, California, on May 1, 2024.

May Day and the Reclamation of the Jewish Radical Tradition May Day and the Reclamation of the Jewish Radical Tradition

This year’s demonstrations will be vast and infused with the politics of Jewish Labor Bund.

Apr 30, 2026 / Dave Zirin

The Risk in Being More Than an Athlete

The Risk in Being More Than an Athlete The Risk in Being More Than an Athlete

Natasha Cloud became one of only a few professional athletes to speak about Gaza. Now she can’t find a WNBA team.

Apr 23, 2026 / Dave Zirin

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