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.

Knicks fans celebrate winning the eastern conference championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 25, 2026, in New York City.

Not Even Trump Can Ruin the Knicks’ Moment Not Even Trump Can Ruin the Knicks’ Moment

New York City hates Trump—but that won’t stop him from attending tonight’s NBA finals game at Madison Square Garden.

Jun 8, 2026 / Dave Zirin

Muhammad Ali in 1966, the year he refused the Vietnam War draft and filed for conscientious objector status.

Muhammad Ali Died 10 Years Ago. We Still Feel His Loss Today. Muhammad Ali Died 10 Years Ago. We Still Feel His Loss Today.

He was a living sign, to paraphrase the champ, that we don’t have to be the way they want us to be—and his example matters more than ever.

Jun 5, 2026 / Dave Zirin

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

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