The GIST

WNBA CBA agreement is a win for league, players, and brand partners

The WNBA and WNPBA reached a verbal agreement on their CBA yesterday, just 51 days before season tip-off. The news is considered a major win for both parties as well as W fans, but there are other players at stake with a lot pinned on the success of this deal: The W’s confirmed and prospective brand partners. Let’s explore what this new CBA means for everyone.

March 19, 2026

Bank of America Institute shares new data insights on women’s sports fans

This week, the Bank of America Institute — the bank’s internal think tank that analyzes consumer behaviors and trends from customer data — shared insights into how customers are engaging around women’s sports. The data supports trends we’ve seen, with these new numbers further strengthening the business case for women’s sports. Let’s dive in.

March 19, 2026

Baseball on the rise in Canada after historic World Baseball Classic showing

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The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela beat Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game. The final out is in the books, but this year’s exhilarating and record-setting tourney is only the beginning as the sport surges in Canada.

March 18, 2026

Team USA falls short 3–2 to Venezuela in WBC title game

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The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela upset Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game to earn the nation’s first-ever WBC crown. The final out is in the books, with the Americans stunned for a second straight tourney, but there’s plenty more baseball to come. Red, white…no need to feel blue.

March 18, 2026

Breaking down 2026 women’s March Madness

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Hooping for their NCAA–record extending 13th natty title, the reigning champs are even better this season led by Player of the Year frontrunner sophomore Sarah Strong and grad student Azzi Fudd. The Huskies are unquestionably the team to beat, pummeling opponents by 38.4 points per game on average and riding a 50-game win streak into the Madness.

March 18, 2026

Everything you need to know about 2026 men’s March Madness

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Duke Blue Devils (East): The No. 1 overall seed came tantalizingly close to an undefeated season — their two losses were by a combined four points. Led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the Blue Devils’ only weakness is the absence of guard Caleb Foster, who broke his foot on March 7th. Legendary coaches abound in their region, but head coach (HC) Jon Scheyer can hang with the best.

March 17, 2026

The Sports Bra teams up with WPBA to support storytelling, community around women’s basketball developmental league

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The Sports Bra and the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA) — a developmental women’s league similar to the NBA’s G League — announced a strategic partnership that will use the sports bar’s reach among women’s sports fans to promote the WPBA as it looks to strengthen relationships with the WNBA and sponsors.

March 17, 2026

Ally, Scripps Sports partner to present PWHL Detroit game for national audience on Ion

Sports Business

Ally, Scripps Sports partner to present PWHL Detroit game for national audience on Ion

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March 17, 2026

Ally and Scripps Sports are teaming up to present the PWHL’s first-ever nationally televised game in the U.S. on March 28th. This Takeover Tour stop in Detroit will give the PWHL the chance to reach more than 126M households via Scripps Sports network Ion, home to the NWSL, WNBA, and the upcoming SI Women’s Games.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #540

Are you primed for the Madness?

March 19, 2026

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Lace up those dancing shoes. It’s time to boogie.

Men’s March Madness officially begins today, with the 64-team first round tipping off at 12:15 p.m. ET. Before the guys and gals hit the hardwood, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in with a Big Dance primer, spending this episode of The GIST of It talking about the top storylines in the men’s and women’s tourneys. Gimme gimme, shimmy shimmy.