Inside the Arena: A Seattle Sports Podcast

In another World Cup themed episode, Niko and Chris reflect on the events in Seattle and the global impact. You'll also hear new insight from Seattle Organizing Committee President Peter Tomozawa, Seattle Sports Commission President Beth Knox, and Kelly Saling of Visit Seattle. Plus, there is another small update on the potential return of the NBA to Seattle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Seattle Storm Legend Lauren Jackson stops Inside the Arena to catch everyone up on her work off the court and time with the franchise. Plus Chris touches based with WSU President Dr. Betsy Cantwell to get her reaction to the recent developments with the Protect College Sports Act. Niko and Chris also share their observations on the World Cup matches in Seattle. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Niko and Chris record direct from the Seattle Stadium, venue for the FIFA World Cup. Chris talks with local broadcasting legend Kenny Mayne and Ashley Fosberg of the RAVE Foundation talks about the event's off the field impact and the legacy it will provide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've gone Cup Crazy at Inside the Arena, dedicating nearly the entire show to the World Cup. Niko and Chris talk about what has gone well after nearly four years of planning, and share insight from Seattle Organizing Committee CEO Peter Tomozawa. Plus, Niko talks with Sounders Legend and former USMNT member Brad Evans about his perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

In a jam-packed edition of "Inside the Arena", Niko goes 1-on-1 with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about the future of the Seattle Storm, and the league. Plus, Nick Greene, author of "How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius" talks about the World Cup, and the importance of the grass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a landmark hearing in Washington DC, Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Ted Cruz joined sides to reform college sports and held a public discussion of their bipartisan bill. Prior to the hearing, Cantwell joined Inside the Arena to discuss the merits of the bill and initial pushback. Plus Niko and Chris discuss the big news this week as it relates to the potential return of the Sonics. Learn mo...

Niko and Chris react immediately to the news that Billionaire and Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has joined the Kraken and One Roof Sports and Entertainment. What does it mean for the Return of the Sonics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a jam packed edition of ITA, Awa Fam talks for the first time about her journey to the US and the Seattle Storm in an exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with Niko. Plus, Seahawks star Uchenna Nwosu makes an in-person visit to sit down with Niko and talk about the off season and his upcoming charity event. Chris also breaks down the potential sports and political news involving Washington Senator Mar...

WSU QB and Cougar Legend Luke Falk stops Inside the Arena as part of the landmark 104th episode and Niko, Chris and Bill celebrate two straight years of the show. Falk talks about lessons learned from Mike Leach, developing mental strength and the upcoming CougsFirst! event. Plus, Niko dives into the Colt Emerson move, and the upcoming soccer barge for the World Cup, as part of 'Four Corners'. Lea...

The Sounders and Reign announce they're opening a temporary soccer field on the Elliott Bay waterfront for the FIFA World Cup! Plus, Steven Thompson, who founded the Seattle Pride Hockey Association talks about being nominated for a major NHL award, and LGBTQ+ representation in the sport. Niko and Chris talk about Howard Schultz's latest foray into politics and why Sonics fans are crying foul. Lea...

Washington State University Athletic Director Jon Haarlow joins Niko and Chris in the Seattle studio to discuss what's next for Cougar Athletics. Haarlow addresses the changing gameday atmosphere, upgrades to Martin Stadium, and how a recent cash infusion will help. Plus, are there creative ways to get fans to stay in Pullman on game weekends? As always, Chris and Niko also address what's good and...

Seahawk Great Shaun Alexander sits down with Niko to talk about the NFL Draft and what he's been up to since leaving Seattle. Plus, Chris spotlights the NHL Kraken announcement about a new two-sheet ice rink in suburban Kirkland. And, as always, Niko and Chris have a "Supersonic Minute" involving the latest on a timeline for an NBA return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

Niko and Chris give a shout-out to producer Bill on making it to episode 100, marking 100 straight weeks of ITA. They also talk about the end-of-season Kraken press conference and whether it inspires confidence for next season, while also touching on the Torrent, Mariners, Seahawks, Sonics, New Stadium construction, and the big sports media story of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Niko talks one on one with new Seattle Storm star Flau'Jae Johnson after the franchise fleeced Golden State for her rights, plus Chris and Niko interpret what the end of the Ron Francis era means for the Seattle Kraken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're joined by Caitlin Salemi and De'Aira Anderson of the Seattle Kraken, who discuss how they put together the off-the-ice celebration of Adam Larsson's 1000th game and why it matters. Plus, Niko and Chris discuss what's been good and bad away from the field including the massive pay increase earned by WNBA players and whether it will mean the Seattle Storm will go on a spending...

The Millionaires Tax has been signed by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Seahawks GM John Schneider has indicated it will have an impact in recruiting players. What does history tell us? Michael McCann is the Legal Analyst and Senior Sports Legal Reporter for Sportico, in addition to a tenured Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law and a Visiting Prof...

A Supersonic Supershow! The NBA starts a formal expansion process! Chris breaks down what he heard in NYC, and Niko talks with former Sonics Xavier McDaniel, Gary Payton and Sam Perkins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson talks about meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in advance of the league's board meetings, and any impact of the recently passed Millionaires Tax. Plus, Niko and Chris share conversations with Sonics legends Jack Sikma and Spencer Haywood from the Seattle Sports Star of the Year Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niko and Chris have an *emergency episode* reacting to the blockbuster breaking news that the NBA will vote next week on opening up for bids on potential league expansion. What does it mean and where does the story go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niko and Chris preview the potential big winners at the annual Seattle Sports Star of the Year event. Chris also dives into the good and bad elements of the recently passed Millionaires Tax. Plus Niko talks Hawks free agency with Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Famer Michael Bumpus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Official "Friend of the Show" Beth Knox, of the Seattle Sports Commission, stops by to talk about the upcoming and 91st Seattle Sports Star of the Year Awards, always one of the city's biggest events spanning business, sports, and politics. Plus Niko and Chris, as always, talk about what's good and bad off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the-field including how the War with Iran could impact the W...

In a jam packed edition, Niko and Chris talk about the Seahawks afterglow and the big week in Hockey. Plus, Chris talks with former Sportsradio Host Dave Grosby, affectionately known as the "Groz" about his battle with Parkinson's and a big event to raise support. And we dive into questions about whether the Millionaires Tax in Olympia could impact the Mariners, Seahawks, or the Return of the NBA'...

Niko and Chris sit down to talk about the business implications of the Seahawks franchise sale and also discuss if NBA Commissioner Adam Silver moved the ball forward on expansion to Seattle. Plus, Niko talks 1-on-1 with new WSU football coach Kirby Moore on his plan for the Cougs in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niko and Chris are back from the Super Bowl to discuss what happened after the final whistle, including exclusive interviews inside the locker room and a visit with Chris Pratt. Plus, they talk about the civic importance of the victory parade and what it could mean for the city in the future, plus Senator Maria Cantwell sets a timeline for possible NBA expansion. Learn more about your ad choices....

In this very special edition of Inside the Arena, Niko and Chris broadcast from the Super Bowl Experience at Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco, California. Niko shares 1-on-1 conversations with multiple Seahawks in advance of the game, and Chris takes us off the field, talking with federal authorities about safety and security and also attempts to kick a "field goal". Special thanks for Snoqualmie Ca...