The GIST

Everything you need to know about the 2025 NFL Draft

Hope you like bear hugs because the 2025 NFL Draft starts tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET from Green Bay, Wisconsin. That’s right, the pick is (almost) in.

April 23, 2025

New data on UK fans shows vast majority are keen on the women’s game

A new data report from Sky Sports — the UK’s largest investor in media rights across women’s sports properties — proves women’s sports are very mainstream, with 80% of UK fans expressing interest in at least one women’s sport.

April 30, 2025

The WNBA announces historic preseason expansion as fan, sponsor interest rises

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Yesterday, the WNBA made history (again) by announcing that all games in its expanded preseason slate will be broadcast or streamed this year. The move comes as the W continues to monetize its product, and with this whole new chunk of games, brands can reach WNBA superfans like never before.

April 30, 2025

Carolina Hurricanes advance to second round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

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Only one team has advanced to the second round, so the rest is still unwritten. Release your inhibitions — here’s where things stand nearly two weeks into the NHL postseason.

April 30, 2025

Three teams punch second-round tickets as NBA postseason action continues

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Despite what the now-eliminated Miami Heat would have you believe, it’s not nearly quitting time — the postseason NBA fun has only just begun as the feisty first-round matchups continue. Nothing but net (and drama).

April 30, 2025

NWSL shares proposal for second-tier affiliate league as U.S. soccer pyramid flourishes

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Last week, it was announced that the NWSL, per CBS Sports, formally applied to the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) to create a new Division II league in 2026. The timing is interesting, as it comes on the heels of big shake-ups in the U.S. soccer pyramid. Let’s recap and dig into the business opportunity for brands and owners alike.

April 28, 2025

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog scores first goal since 2022

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With every first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series still to be decided, these storylines are the stuff of fairy tales. Grab your tissues and scroll on for the icy and spicy latest.

April 28, 2025

Sports Business

Gainbridge announces USL Super League title partnership as U.S. women’s soccer pyramid expands

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April 23, 2025

Digital insurance company Gainbridge made a major play by teaming up with the United Soccer League (USL) yesterday. The USL’s Super League is now called the Gainbridge Super League, the first-ever title partnership for a U.S. pro soccer league. The partnership illustrates how brands are starting to recognize opportunities at all levels of the flourishing U.S. soccer pyramid.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #455

Saquon Barkley plays 18 with President Trump

April 29, 2025

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Saquon Barkley plays 18 with President Trump

Mr. Barkley goes to Washington.

But before he visited the White House yesterday to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Super Bowl win, superstar running back Saquon Barkley spent some one-on-one time with President Donald Trump, raising the eyebrows of many football fans — especially after his Super Bowl MVP teammate Jalen Hurts didn’t make the trip at all.

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their reactions to Barkley’s surprising afternoon with the polarizing president and add crucial context to the recent history of championship teams visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Football is always top of mind.