Larry Nance Jr. Launches “Switch the Play” Soccer Show Today
BREAKING: Larry Nance Jr. is set to unveil his new digital show, “Switch the Play,” today, focusing on the rising intersection of NBA players and international soccer fandom. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has partnered with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch this weekly program, which promises to highlight the deepening ties between basketball and soccer.
The first episode features Alex Caruso, a key player for the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and is scheduled to air today, October 26, 2023. Nance aims to shed light on why so many of his fellow players are embracing soccer, a sport that has surged in popularity across the NBA locker rooms.
“I entered the NBA in 2015, and I was probably one of only a couple of guys in the league that could tell you who won the Premier League the previous season,” Nance shared. “Now, soccer is a constant conversation starter in the locker room.”
The soccer phenomenon has captivated numerous NBA stars, including Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. This cultural crossover was evident when Wembanyama was spotted at a Paris Saint Germain versus Manchester City match last winter, further underscoring how intertwined these two sports have become.
Nance, who played soccer until he was 16, is not only a fan but also a part-owner of Premier League club Leeds United. He became an investor in 2023 alongside Indiana guard T.J. McConnell. As he embarks on his 11th NBA season, with career averages of 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, Nance signed with Cleveland as a free agent this past July, marking his return to the Cavaliers after previously playing there from 2018 to 2021.
The NBA has even begun to model aspects of its competition format around successful European soccer tournaments, showcasing the profound influence soccer has on basketball culture. Nance emphasizes that “this show will give stars from around the league the opportunity to let fans hear them talk about their soccer fandom, parallels in the two games, and how we see it as professional athletes.”
As the premiere of “Switch the Play” approaches, fans are eager to tune in and engage with their favorite athletes discussing the sport they love. The show is expected to be a compelling addition to the ongoing dialogue between these two global sports.
Stay tuned as the first episode drops today, and get ready to witness how NBA players celebrate their soccer passions!
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as Nance and others delve into the fascinating world where basketball meets soccer.
