Locker Room Wire

Chloe Armstrong

Senior Columnist

Chloe made a name for herself with her influential blog, 'The Armstrong Take,' before becoming a lead columnist at Deadspin and later The Ringer. Known for her incisive critiques of league management and her ability to capture the pulse of the modern fan, she has twice been named 'Sports Columnist of the Year' by the Online Media Association. Chloe's work is driven by a passion for accountability and a belief that sports should be just as fun to argue about as they are to watch. She writes for the fan on the couch who is yelling at the TV.

Expertise

Opinion and CommentarySports Media CriticismLeague Politics & GovernanceFan CultureCross-sport analysis

Coverage Areas

Opinion
Weekly Power Rankings
League-wide commentary

Latest Articles

Florida Panthers players Brady and Matthew Tkachuk celebrate with the Stanley Cup after a bold 'all-in' trade for Tkachuk, signaling a dynasty push.
On the Ice

Brady Tkachuk trade: Panthers' 'all-in' dynasty push

Fresh off their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers immediately made headlines by trading for Brady Tkachuk, uniting him with his brother Matthew and signaling an unprecedente

Jun 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Athlete wearing smart fabric sports apparel with glowing data streams showing heart rate and muscle activity during a workout.
The Pro Shop

What Is Smart Fabric Technology in Sports Apparel?

Companies like Asics are now integrating smart textiles directly into their gear, providing athletes with real-time feedback on heart rate and muscle activity during workouts.

Jun 20, 2026 · 7 min read

Veteran NHL player offering guidance and mentorship to a younger teammate in a post-game locker room setting.
On the Ice

Veteran Role Players Are the Unsung Heroes of NHL Team Culture

Veteran forward Vladimir Tarasenko defied expectations, posting a 20-goal resurgence in his season with the Minnesota Wild, according to The Hockey News .

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

A packed NHL hockey arena with fans cheering, subtly overlaid with imagery from the 'Heated Rivalry' gay romance series.
On the Ice

NHL's 'Heated Rivalry' Series Fuels Ticket Sales Surge

Weekly NHL hockey ticket sales shot up by more than 20% after the gay hockey romance series 'Heated Rivalry' first aired in late November, according to data from ticketing platform SeatGeek .

Jun 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Formula 1 cars battling side-by-side on a historic track, showcasing a daring overtake with intense driver focus.
Racing News

Top 7 Most Iconic Formula 1 Overtakes of All Time

Ayrton Senna's legendary pass on Alain Prost at Suzuka in 1988?

Jun 16, 2026 · 6 min read

The Lady Byng Trophy illuminated under a spotlight, with shadowy figures of hockey players in the background, representing the debate over its relevance and criteria.
On the Ice

Kopitar's Lady Byng Finalist nod sparks debate on trophy's relevance

Anze Kopitar, a three-time Lady Byng winner, recorded just 38 points in 67 games in the 2025-26 season, yet is a finalist for an award meant to recognize 'high playing ability.

Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Baseball manager and data analyst intensely studying complex analytics and player statistics on glowing computer screens in a dugout.
Fairway Digest

Teams Embrace Data for Best Baseball Offense Strategies

Last season, the league-leading offense, the Atlanta Braves, posted a team batting average of just .

May 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Silhouetted NBA executives anxiously watch a glowing lottery ball, symbolizing the high stakes of draft lottery reform and the ongoing discussion around tanking.
Draft HQ

NBA draft lottery reform 2026: Tanking discussion drives reforms.

The NBA just slapped the Utah Jazz with a hefty $500,000 fine for "conduct detrimental to the league"—a thinly veiled accusation of tanking, if I ever heard one.

May 18, 2026 · 4 min read