The GIST

MLB invests in pro softball, Women’s College World Series opens with a bang

Yesterday was like Christmas for softball fans, starting with the news that MLB will make a strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) ahead of their debut season next week, followed by a high-octane opening day of the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). Let’s unpack all the latest.

May 30, 2025

Disney+ acquires European rights for Women’s Champions League as streamers snatch up women’s sports

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Last week, Disney+ acquired the European rights for the Women’s Champions League through a five-year deal. The news is indicative of a wider trend of streaming interest in women’s sports, which offers both pros and cons for the women’s sports space.

June 02, 2025

🏀 Don’t stop believin’ (<s>Glee</s> Indiana Pacers version)

NBA storylines ahead of Finals showdown

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The NBA Finals are officially set: The Western Conference top seed Oklahoma City Thunder — armed with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — will take on the comeback king Indiana Pacers beginning Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for an official preview on the small-market series later this week, but until then, here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s Eastern Conference (EC) Finals finale.

June 02, 2025

World No. 1 Nelly Korda swings to end winless streak at U.S. Women’s Open

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The U.S. Women’s Open — the second LPGA major of the season — is underway from Wisconsin’s gorgeous and notoriously challenging Erin Hills amid palpable buzz surrounding women’s golf. Excitement’s in the air — here’s what you need to know as the gals tear up the tee boxes.

May 30, 2025

Pinterest stakes out space in growing sports lifestyle economy with NY Liberty partnership

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Yesterday, social media giant Pinterest announced its entry into the sports space with a groundbreaking, multiyear NY Liberty partnership. Driven by the rising popularity and influence of WNBA athletes, Pinterest has reimagined what sports sponsorship can look like with its multifaceted brand integration.

May 30, 2025

MLB investment in AUSL signals a new era in relations between men’s and women’s sports

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Yesterday, MLB announced a sizable strategic investment in Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), which hits off its inaugural season next week. It’s a major move to see MLB backing AUSL off the bat and represents a shift in how established men’s sports leagues are approaching startup women’s leagues.

May 30, 2025

Minnesota Frost clinch second-straight Walter Cup, defeat Ottawa Charge 2–1 in Game 4

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The Minnesota Frost remain the only team to hoist the Walter Cup after defeating the Ottawa Charge 2–1 in overtime (OT) during Monday’s PWHL Finals Game 4, clinching the title for the second straight year. Ice cold. With another successful campaign in the books, here’s a look at the PWHL’s sophomore season by the numbers, featuring everything from postseason highlights to future-looking fun.

May 28, 2025

Sports News

Stanley Cup Final set as postseason action continues

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May 30, 2025

The Stanley Cup Final is officially set, while the quest for the NBA’s Larry O'Brien Trophy is still a three-horse race. Only the strong survive in the postseason.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #463

The Women’s College World Series is in its dynasty era

May 29, 2025

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The Women’s College World Series is in its dynasty era

Step up to the plate.

And start swinging! This episode of The GIST of It is all about the Women’s College World Series, which begins today in Oklahoma City. Co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula dig into No. 2 seed Oklahoma’s dynastic run and pick the softball squads that could play spoiler before zooming out to discuss where the sport is heading in the future. Batter up!

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today.

A big thank you to our friends at the LPGA for sponsoring today’s episode. In case you didn’t know, the LPGA is the longest-running women’s professional sports organization in the world, and they’re celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. To learn more about how the LPGA is growing the women’s game, check out the link in the show notes.