Softy Interviews

Tod Leiweke, CEO of One Roof Sports and Entertainment and the Seattle Kraken, joins Softy to talk about the positive step of NBA expansion news today, the fans’ impact with this step, fixing the stadium situation, the potential ownership group of the franchise led by Samantha Holloway and the expected interest for the team, plus getting excited now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Kestecher, ESPN NBA Broadcaster, joins Softy to talk about Kevin Calabro’s time calling Sonics games, today’s NBA expansion news making it feel like the Sonics will be coming back with no doubt, anti-expansion folks having understandable arguments but not agreeing with thoughts on talent dilution, and the league changing loads since 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle SuperSonics and Washington Huskies legend Detlef Schrempf joins Softy and Jackson to discuss today’s NBA expansion news and the hopes of having the Sonics back soon, the state of the NBA now compared to when he played being very different, the anti-expansion arguments of talent dilution, and interacting with his old teammates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary writer Larry Stone joins Softy and Jackson to talk about today’s expansion news with the NBA, the arguments against expansion, how Seattle fans will react, Tod Leiweke being atop the mountaintop of Seattle sports figures, the Mariners starting the 2026 season tomorrow and aiming for a World Series, and why the team is better now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Florio from NBC and PFT joins Softy to talk about the NBA announcing that they are exploring expansion, how the move by the NBA affects the upcoming sale of the Seahawks and the finances involved, Jaxon Smith-Njigba becoming the highest paid receiver in the NFL by Seattle, and Rams receiver Puka Nacua getting in some trouble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Kraken Coach Lane Lambert joins Softy to talk about their recent tough stretch including last night’s heartbreaker after a comeback, the effort level of the team staying high despite the recent games, feeling like every game has a playoff vibe with just 12 games left in the season and a playoff spot in question, plus Berkly Catton’s role now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Schiffer from Front Office Sports joins Dave Softy Mahler to discuss the latest and breaking news with the NBA exploring expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wilner of The San Jose Mercury News joins Softy to talk about the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, including Gonzaga losing and their future in the Pac-12, the top coaches left in the tournament and Rick Pitino possibly sitting at the top, Mick Cronin’s antics being UCLA’s black eye, Randy Bennett going to Arizona State, and UW football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Mariners All Star Bret Boone joins Softy and Dick to discuss the M’s entering 2026 after getting so close in 2025, why he feared Bryan Woo more than any pitcher, Julio Rodriguez trying to the next superstar step this year, why Brenden Donovan will help Seattle’s lineup this year, there being no gap with Toronto in the AL, and the WBC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and Fox Sports joins Softy and Dick to react to the epic start of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Cinderellas still having chances despite higher seeds dominating the last two tournaments, the amount of high profile coaching jobs that could be available soon, Houston looking better and his final four picks so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westwood One’s voice of the Final Four Kevin Kugler joins Softy and Dick to talk about the NCAA Tournament including the packed East region, the lack of parity in the dance now compared to last decade, how some major injuries will impact Duke and Michigan, Arizona’s chances, Nebraska possibly finally getting a win, and Illinois as a dark horse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer joins Softy and Dick to talk about tonight’s Concacaf game against Vancouver in Spokane, his coaching changing a little bit with a 3-0 series lead right now, the team’s win in San Jose with young players last weekend, including Peter Kingston, plus injury updates including Jordan Morris’ return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petros Papadakis in Los Angeles joins Softy to make duck sounds and talk about ducks before they get into some sports including the World Baseball Classic and fans making tons of noise and having a great time at the event, Miguel Rojas of the Dodgers having an incorrect tweet made about him and a PED suspension, plus talk about water parks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Florio of PFT and NBC joins Softy and Dick to talk about if the Dolphins are not actually going to trade running back Devon Achane, his surprise at the price tag for Jaylen Waddle that the Broncos paid to get the receiver from Miami, the boring quality and of quantity of free agency contracts this year, and Russell Wilson’s unclear future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Hochman, radio host on 104.3 WQAM in Miami, joins Softy and Dick to discuss the Dolphins’ trade of Jaylen Waddle to Denver today, the trade not signaling a future trade of Devon Achane despite the attractiveness of draft picks, the running back cost being at least a first round pick right now, and the limited expectations for Malik Willis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NBA coach and current basketball broadcaster PJ Carlesimo joins Softy and Dick to talk about the lack of parity in college basketball recently, the San Diego game slate that he will be calling this week, St. John’s getting hosed a bit with a 5-seed, why Miami of Ohio deserved a spot in the dance, and Monday’s big NBA expansion news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wilner of The San Jose Mercury News joins Softy and Dick to discuss UW turning down the lower-level postseason basketball tournaments, how often the Dawgs should make the dance, Arizona and Houston’s dominance in the Big 12, the useless political meeting about college sports at the White House, plus his top NCAA Tournament picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Daniels from Komo TV joins Softy and Dick to explain the current NBA expansion situation with today’s news of a vote next week, the reported 7-10 billion price tag not being what he heard and state of bidders, his tempered level of belief that it is going to cross the finish line this time and more final news possibly coming in July or September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and Fox Sports joins Softy and Dick to praise the committee’s job done with the NCAA Tournament field, plus discuss the East region with blue bloods and challenges for Duke as the 1 seed, why Arizona can will the entire thing and will, according to his bracket, the lack of parity currently, and other title contenders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Basketball legend and Seattle sports icon, Jack Sikma joins. He talks about the city's chances of getting an NBA team back, and Jack shares his insights on the process. He's been following the developments closely and has a unique perspective on the situation. We discuss the potential challenges and opportunities, and Jack weighs in on what it would take for Seattle to land a team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.