Covering all the major professional sports teams in Seattle as well as the University of Washington and Washington State University. Kirsten and Art also talk about the business of sports, such as the proposal to build a new arena in Seattle. Other issues they've discussed include head injuries in sports and the crackdown on domestic violence.Thiel offers a unique and informed perspective to KNKX listeners. His philosophy for his commentary on KNKX is to give the casual sports fan "enough information to be interesting at a party."
'Management delivered.' The Mariners begin first playoffs in 21 years
The Seattle Mariners begin their first playoff series in 21 years Friday afternoon. They play the Blue Jays in a best-of-three American League Wild Card series - with all games taking place in Toronto.
10/7/2022 • 4 minutes
Seahawks' 'smart' draft selections offer hope to fans in new era
The Seattle Seahawks added nine players in the NFL draft that wrapped up over the weekend. But none was a quarterback to replace Russell Wilson, who was traded to the Denver Broncos in the offseason.
5/3/2022 • 4 minutes, 7 seconds
With a rookie phenom on the roster, is this the year the Mariners finally return to the playoffs?
After barely missing the playoffs last year, the Seattle Mariners' season of high expectations begins Friday in Minnesota. Seattle Mariners rookie phenom Julio Rodriguez is on the Opening Day roster.
4/8/2022 • 3 minutes
Departure of Seahawks QB Russell Wilson worthy of return of KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel
The Seattle Seahawks' blockbuster trade of quarterback Russell Wilson this week was enough to bring back former KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel.
3/11/2022 • 3 minutes
'It's not goodbye; it's see you later': Art Thiel ends weekly sports commentaries on KNKX after 15+ years
For more than 15 years on KNKX, Art Thiel has been musing about sports in weekly conversations with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick. That is changing after this week. Art sat down with Kirsten to talk about his big announcement.
2/18/2022 • 7 minutes, 16 seconds
LA Rams receiver Cooper Kupp among Super Bowl players with ties to Washington
The Super Bowl takes place on Sunday. The NFC-champion Los Angeles Rams play the AFC-champion Cincinnati Bengals. There are some storylines — and players — for local fans to follow.
2/11/2022 • 3 minutes
Seattle Storm signs key free agents, poised to go for it all in newly revamped home
The Seattle Storm this week locked up their top three players for the 2022 season. It's a season that has them returning to their revamped home: Climate Pledge Arena.
2/4/2022 • 3 minutes
The spotlight is on Gonzaga men's basketball in more ways than one this season
Washington's Gonzaga Bulldogs are again atop the men's college basketball world. They're No. 1 in the coaches' poll and No. 2 in The Associated Press poll. But the program has also received some unwanted attention recently.
1/28/2022 • 3 minutes
Seahawks defensive captain Bobby Wagner among big question marks in team's offseason
Following a disappointing 2021 season, the Seattle Seahawks will have an offseason full of change.
1/21/2022 • 3 minutes
Can the Seahawks find a balance in the offseason to return to playoffs? Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson play a big role
After their first losing season in the time of head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks are spectators this weekend, as the NFL playoffs begin.
1/14/2022 • 3 minutes
Kyle Seager's farewell to Mariners fans in October was his farewell to baseball
Seattle Mariners fans are still adjusting to the news that the longest-tenured player on the team — third baseman Kyle Seager — has retired from baseball. Seager made the announcement via Twitter shortly after Christmas.
1/7/2022 • 3 minutes
New NHL team Seattle Kraken in new Climate Pledge Arena: region's top sports story of 2021
For their final conversation of the year, KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel and Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick recount the region's top five sports stories of 2021.
12/31/2021 • 3 minutes
Virtually eliminated from playoffs after loss to Rams, Seahawks now playing for 'personal pride'
The Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Bears at Lumen Field Sunday afternoon. Their loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday night left the Seahawks with a 5-9 record and virtually eliminated from the playoffs.
12/24/2021 • 3 minutes, 30 seconds
Why OL Reign is moving back to Seattle
After three years in Tacoma, Seattle's team in the National Women's Soccer League, OL Reign, will once again be in Seattle, starting in 2022. We learn more about what's behind the big news in this week's conversation between KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel and Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.
12/17/2021 • 2 minutes
Was the Seahawks' trade for Jamal Adams worth it?
The Seattle Seahawks play the Texans in Houston on Sunday morning. The Hawks followed a dramatic win this week over the San Francisco 49ers with a dismaying loss: a shoulder injury that ended the season of safety Jamal Adams.
12/10/2021 • 2 minutes, 54 seconds
Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray's signing a 'big step forward' for Seattle Mariners, just before MLB owners lock out players
After a surprisingly good season, the Seattle Mariners have made two important acquisitions that have created a buzz about 2022.
12/3/2021 • 3 minutes
Battle of the interim coaches at Apple Cup after firings of UW's Jimmy Lake and WSU's Nick Rolovich
The Washington Huskies are seeking their eighth consecutive win over the Washington State Cougars in the 113th Apple Cup. The annual football rivalry game was canceled last year due to the pandemic but resumes Friday night at Husky Stadium.
11/26/2021 • 2 minutes
Playoffs, awards make it an exciting time to be a soccer fan in Puget Sound region
Both of the professional soccer teams in the region made it to the playoffs this season. The OL Reign was ousted in the semifinals on Sunday, Nov. 14. And the Seattle Sounders are preparing for their first playoff game of 2021 on Tuesday night at home against Real Salt Lake.
11/19/2021 • 3 minutes
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson returns in time to face Green Bay Packers
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is back from injury just in time to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field, where the Seahawks haven't won this century.
11/12/2021 • 2 minutes
Thiel: Tough talk won't be enough to push University of Washington past Oregon
The University of Washington football team hosts fourth-ranked Oregon on Saturday afternoon. Many believe it's the Huskies' most important game of the season.
