Full Breakdown
Run-A-Muck Unveils “Courtside,” a Queer Rom-Com Starring Women’s Basketball Stars
5/22/2026, 1:41:33 AM
Courtside Film Announcement
Run-A-Muck, the creator-led multi-platform company behind REIGN, announced development of “Courtside,” a sports romantic comedy set in professional women’s basketball. The plot follows an injury-plagued superstar whose championship goals shift after falling for a teammate. WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance and Syd Colson appear, with Colson also serving as executive producer. Jennifer Beals, co-founder of Run-A-Muck, has a supporting role.
Company Background & Prior Works
Run-A-Muck launched REIGN to amplify under-represented voices across film, podcasts and digital series. Its first feature, “Suicide Kale,” written and directed by Brittani Nichols and Carly Usdin, earned Audience Awards at Outfest and NewFest. The REIGN slate includes the flagship podcast “Is She Game?” hosted by breakout creator Coach Jackie J, slated for a summer debut, and the company continues to build a slate of sports-focused content.
Creators, Athletes, and Representation
The screenplay is written by Brittani Nichols, an executive producer on “Abbott Elementary,” and directed by Carly Usdin, creator of “The Syd + TP Show.” Involving active athletes—Williams, Plaisance and Colson—provides insider perspective on the sport’s culture. The film seeks to broaden on-screen representation for minorities, queer people and women’s-sports fans by pairing real players with a queer romance narrative.
Official Statements
Ilene Chaiken, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, said the company aims to produce “character-driven queer stories that reflect the world of women’s sports authentically,” positioning the film as an extension of REIGN’s mission to create space for under-represented narratives. The REIGN slate also includes the upcoming “Is She Game?” podcast, which will debut later this summer.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition has been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Women’s sports are driving culture in a way that feels undeniable, and there’s a real appetite for character-driven queer stories that reflect that world authentically.” — Ilene Chaiken, Co-founder & CCO, Run-A-Muck
- “It feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this kind of excitement to surround women’s basketball, and I’m excited to blend my love of sports, lesbian tension, and comedy into one project,” — Brittani Nichols, Writer
- “I don’t think I’ve ever said yes to an opportunity faster than I did for Courtside,” — Syd Colson, Actress & Executive Producer
- “I respect Carly and Brittani’s sense of humor so much and being involved with this in any capacity sounded amazing!” — Syd Colson
Upcoming Developments
The film is currently in development, with no release date announced. The “Is She Game?” podcast will debut in summer, adding to REIGN’s sports-focused content. Run-A-Muck plans to keep expanding its women’s sports division, as signaled by the podcast and other upcoming projects.
