Honestly, the first thing you notice about the cast of Running Point on Netflix isn't just the star power. It's the sheer, chaotic energy of a family that looks like they’d rather trade each other than a first-round draft pick. When Mindy Kaling and Jeanie Buss teamed up to create this show, they didn't just cast a bunch of actors; they built a dysfunctional basketball dynasty.
The Los Angeles Waves aren't the Lakers, but let's be real—they basically are.
The Gordon Siblings: Power Struggles and Petty Beefs
At the center of it all is Kate Hudson. She plays Isla Gordon, and if you thought her rom-com days were her peak, wait until you see her try to manage a $4 billion sports franchise in five-inch stilettos. Isla is a "reformed" party girl who’s spent years being ignored by her late father and her arrogant brothers. She knows more about the pick-and-roll than most GMs, yet she's been stuck running the team's charity foundation.
Then there’s the brothers.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
Scott MacArthur plays Ness Gordon, the only sibling who actually played the game professionally (briefly, in the Philippines, before a drug scandal ended that). He’s the General Manager and a total "bro" in the most exhausting sense. Drew Tarver, who was brilliant in The Other Two, plays Sandy Gordon. He’s the Chief Financial Officer and a "cheap bastard" according to Isla. Sandy is the half-brother who feels like an outsider, plotting against Isla because he wants the throne.
And we can’t forget Cam Gordon.
Justin Theroux plays the eldest brother who starts the whole mess. He’s the president of the Waves until a drug-induced car crash sends him to rehab. That’s the only reason Isla gets the job. He’s back in Season 2 as a series regular, which means the power struggle is only getting messier.
💡 You might also like: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
The Players and the Inner Circle
The cast of Running Point on Netflix gets even more interesting when you move from the front office to the court.
- Brenda Song as Ali Lee: She’s Isla’s best friend and the Waves' Chief of Staff. Ali is from the South Side of Chicago and is, quite frankly, the only reason the team doesn't collapse. She’s the "right-hand woman" every girlboss needs.
- Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg: Talk about perfect casting. Hanks plays the problematic point guard who is a part-time rapper and a full-time headache. He’s controversial, he’s talented, and he almost kisses Isla after a business dinner gone wrong.
- Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield: The veteran star. Marcus is a 12-time All-Star who once dated Rihanna. He’s the anchor of the team but is always looking out for his own brand.
- Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno: The wildcard. Jackie was just a fan selling popcorn at the arena until his mother died and he discovered he was actually a secret Gordon sibling. He’s now the team’s assistant and a constant reminder of their father’s messy past.
Why the Dynamic Works (and Why It Ranks)
The show feels like Succession met Ted Lasso at a sports bar and they had a baby. Max Greenfield (Schmidt from New Girl) pops up as Isla’s fiancé, Lev, a pediatrician who wants her to convert to Judaism—which is a problem because her father’s will specifically forbids it if she wants to stay in the family business.
It’s these weird, specific details that make the cast of Running Point on Netflix so watchable.
📖 Related: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
You’ve got Jay Ellis as the head coach and Roberto Sanchez as the terrifying Chairman of the Board, Stephen Ramirez. The stakes aren't just about winning games. They're about not getting fired by your own family.
What’s Next for the Waves?
Netflix already renewed the show for Season 2 before the first season even finished its run. Production has wrapped as of late 2025, and we’re looking at an April 2026 release date.
The new season is adding some heavy hitters, too. Ray Romano is joining the cast in a recasting role, and Ken Marino is coming aboard. With Cam Gordon out of rehab and Jackie Moreno firmly in the inner circle, the Gordon family is about to get a lot more crowded.
If you’re looking for a takeaway, it’s this: watch the background. The chemistry between the cast of Running Point on Netflix is best when they aren't talking. It’s in the eye rolls during board meetings and the awkward silences in the locker room.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Track the Cameos: Keep an eye out for real NBA legends; since Jeanie Buss is an executive producer, the "Wave" world frequently intersects with real-life basketball royalty.
- Rewatch the Pilot: Pay attention to Isla's voiceover about her father, Jack Gordon. Most of the plot twists in the later episodes are foreshadowed in her opening monologue about his "casual misogyny."
- Check the Credits: Mindy Kaling’s fingerprints are everywhere, from the rapid-fire dialogue to the Sephora-based plotlines.