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.

Left: Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) consults his adviser, Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt) in The Sopranos. Right: President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance attend the presidential Inauguration.

Trump’s Tony Soprano Presidency Is Bleeding the Country Dry Trump’s Tony Soprano Presidency Is Bleeding the Country Dry

The thrill many felt of having a made-for-TV-mobster president is gone.

Oct 30, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Mumia Abu-Jamal, seen here in a December 13, 1995, photo from prison, was convicted in 1982 of murdering a Philadelphia policeman.

Mumia Abu-Jamal Speaks With the Clear Voice of a Free Man Mumia Abu-Jamal Speaks With the Clear Voice of a Free Man

Incarcerated for 44 years, the political prisoner remains unbowed in the face of medical neglect.

Oct 22, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Isaac Okoro #35 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Tom Alter is Here—Plus, Our NBA Eastern Conference Preview Tom Alter is Here—Plus, Our NBA Eastern Conference Preview

On Edge of Sports: Dr. Tom Alter on his unjust dismissal from Texas State University, and Arya Shirazi on the upcoming NBA season.

Oct 20, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at Chase Center on October 5, 2025, in San Francisco, California.

“Black History Is for Everyone,” and a Western Conference Preview “Black History Is for Everyone,” and a Western Conference Preview

Historian Brian Jones joins the show to talk about his book, and Arya Shirazi and I talk about the upcoming NBA season.

Oct 13, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference announcing his “Game Over Greed” campaign urging FIFA to drop dynamic pricing on September 10, 2025, in the Bronx.

Zohran Mamdani Is Right to Call Out FIFA. But He Doesn't Go Far Enough. Zohran Mamdani Is Right to Call Out FIFA. But He Doesn't Go Far Enough.

Mamdani is right to hold FIFA accountable for fleecing its fans. But cheaper prices won’t matter if you end up in the back of an unmarked van.

Oct 10, 2025 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Two dozen rallied to call on Philadelphia district Attorney Larry Krasner to not appeal a recent decision of PA Supreme Court Justice Tucker, at a rally in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 2018.

How Ireland Views the NFL & Mumia’s Lawyer Speaks How Ireland Views the NFL & Mumia’s Lawyer Speaks

Noelle Hanrahan, Mumia Abu Jamal’s attorney, joins Edge of Sports.

Sep 26, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

Dublin’s Croke Park stadium, which is set to host Ireland’s first regular-season NFL game on September 28, 2025.

The NFL Is Trump’s America—and It’s Invading Ireland The NFL Is Trump’s America—and It’s Invading Ireland

The league is not coming to Dublin to plant a tree. It is coming to plant a flag.

Sep 22, 2025 / Dave Zirin

Win Without War mobile billboard drives near the US Capitol on September 9, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Live From Occupied DC Live From Occupied DC

On Edge of Sports: a special report from the nation's capital.

Sep 10, 2025 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

The sun sets over Wrigley Field as clouds roll in during a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on August 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Why Is MLB in Chicago Acquiescing to Trump? Why Is MLB in Chicago Acquiescing to Trump?

Trump is threatening to occupy Chicago while the Cubs are feting the far right.

Sep 10, 2025 / Dave Zirin and Gus O’Connor

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks the US District Courthouse in Washington, DC, on August 15, 2025.

Does DC Have a Vichy Mayor? Does DC Have a Vichy Mayor?

It’s still unclear—and that’s the problem.

Sep 5, 2025 / Dave Zirin

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