it’s giving spicy on the Scoville scale
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
It’s (almost) the freakin’ weekend.
Done with the nonsense? So is pop star Sabrina Carpenter. But this sports newsletter? It’s all sports news, no-nonsense. You’re welcome.
— Las Vegas Aces living legend A’ja Wilson rightfully questioning teammate Kelsey Plum’s decision to indulge in the raw fish delicacy after “projectile vomiting” during their first playoff game against the Seattle Storm. Guess the BRAT diet wasn’t appealing.
WNBA
🏀 Enough is enough
The GIST: Following two more higher-seed sweeps on Wednesday, the semis are set, but unfortunately, outstanding play and one legend’s possible swan song were eclipsed by serious off-court issues.
The context: Amid a season full of record WNBA attendance and viewership, there’s also been an increased amount of derogatory comments made about players’ race, gender identity, sexuality, and beyond.
- And a portion of this escalation comes from some problematic Indiana Fever fans. For some background, in June, Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark condemned the weaponization of her name for misogynist and racist causes.
- Later in the summer, the fanbase was under fire again after threatening Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington following a tense interaction between the reigning Most Improved Player and Clark.
The latest: This week, as the No. 3 Sun swept the No. 6 Fever out of the playoffs, the discourse reached a tipping point. Before Wednesday’s Game 2, Carrington revealed she’d been sent death threats after another physical moment with Clark in Game 1.
- Following the Sun’s 87–81 Game 2 series-clinching win, Connecticut superstar Alyssa Thomas spoke to the media, explaining that over her 11-year career, she has never faced racial insults like the ones hurled at her by Fever fans this season. Despicable.
The WNBA’s response: After Thomas’ remarks, the WNBA released a statement, affirming that “derogatory or threatening comments” toward players will not be tolerated. Still, with more eyes on the league than ever, the time to address the negativity affecting players is past due.
WNBA Semifinals
🏀 Double teamed
The GIST: In the midst of the above, the game plays on — the WNBA’s semifinals tip off on Sunday, meaning it’s time to level up from three-game sets to five-game series. More hoops, more drama.
No. 1 NY Liberty vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces at 3 p.m. ET: It’s the superteam showdown we’ve been waiting for, but one round too early. Still, this 2023 Finals rematch — led by the Aces’ U’nanimous M’VP A’ja Wilson and the Liberty’s two-time Finals MVP Breanna Stewart — is what hoop dreams are made of.
No. 2 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun at 8:30 p.m. ET: Though it lacks the history of the first series, don’t let that fool you. Both teams can score in bunches: the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier is the postseason’s leading scorer, while the Sun’s Alyssa Thomas and fiancée DeWanna Bonner continue to drop buckets.
- Plus, with two of the league’s most fearsome defenses going head-to-head, it’s giving spicy on the Scoville scale.
Together With Bumble
🚩 No red flags here
Need epic date plans? First, download Bumble then ask your match to watch one of the many WNBA Playoffs, presented by Google this weekend — there’s no better way to see if your crush is as into women’s sports as you are.
- According to a recent Bumble survey, 31% of single Americans think a shared love of watching or playing sports is essential to dating. And with Bumble’s unique features (like their profile Sports Interest Badges) you’ll immediately know if your connection’s fandom is pure.
- Ready for a dating app where kindness is key? Where women come first? And where being yourself is celebrated? Download Bumble and get ready for your own love and basketball story.
💪 Four playoff spots remain up for grabs heading into the final regular season weekend
The first pitch of the MLB postseason is just four days away (not that we’re counting), but four of the 12 playoff spots — two from each league — are still TBD. In the American League (AL), the red-hot Detroit Tigers and steady Kansas City Royals currently hold the final two Wild Card berths, but they’ll need to fend off the sausage-fueled and recently floundering Minnesota Twins.
- Over in the National League (NL), it’s a three-way race between the NY Mets, last year’s NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Atlanta Braves.
- But spiciest of all, the Mets and Braves still have two games against each other on deck after this week’s scheduled slate was moved to a Monday doubleheader due to Hurricane Helene.
💔 Oakland A’s play final game at the historic Coliseum
With the franchise’s controversial move to Las Vegas set for 2028 and the lease at their home park expiring, yesterday marked the final A’s game at the famed Oakland Coliseum, which had housed the team since 1968.
- Loyal fans filled the park for one last time yesterday, a heartfelt send-off despite their frustrations with team ownership. Turns out there is crying in baseball.
😲 Chicago White Sox win third straight game, stave off history
Currently sitting at 120 losses, the historically bad Sox remain one defeat away from breaking a tie with the 1962 Mets for most losses in a season in the modern era (since 1901). But the South Siders are going down swinging, rattling off a third straight victory over the LA Angels yesterday to keep history at bay.
- With three games left on the docket — including tonight’s 6:40 p.m. ET matchup with the surging Tigers — can Chicago keep up the fight?
Together With Vessi
Is your footwear ready for tailgating? With football season in full swing, Vessi’s sporty-chic sneakers are tailor-made for tailgating: They’re waterproof and supportive, so you’ll stay comfy from first pig in a blanket to last play.
- Best of all, Vessi’s offering 20% off your order with promo code 02-VIP-THEGIST-0350. Start warming up for your touchdown dance now.
⛳ Presidents Cup: Team USA vs. Team International — Ongoing through Sunday — Golf Channel
- The Americans came out swinging in yesterday’s four-ball matches, sweeping the International team to take a 5-0 lead after one day of play. They’ll be aiming to pad their lead and silence the Montreal crowd when the foursome play continues today. Putter up.
⚽ NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC — Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET — CBS
- All eyes will be on CPKC Stadium to see if the fourth-place Current can overtake the third-place Bats. With the regular season winding down, both squads have clinched a playoff spot but every win counts with home-field advantage on the line. Consider the boots laced.
🎓🏈 NCAA football: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 4 Alabama — Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET — ABC
- Buckle up for a massive SEC clash between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide as these two unbeaten rivals duke it out. Given Georgia has yet to allow a touchdown this year and Bama is one of the top scoring offenses in the country, only one thing’s for sure: expect chaos.
🏈 NFL: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens — Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC
- Cue Carrie Underwood because after waiting all day, Week 4’s Sunday Night Football is a must-see AFC showdown. Quarterback (QB) Josh Allen’s undefeated Bills against the Ravens’ dynamic duo in QB Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry? Nothing better.
The GIST's Bracket Challenge
⚾ Get ready for the playoffs with The GIST's Major League Baseball Bracket Challenge!
Lace up your cleats and join fellow GISTers in predicting the outcome of this year's World Series. What's on the line? Amazing prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
Prizes: First place wins a $300 airline gift card, second place gets a $200 airline gift card, and third place scores a $100 airline gift card. So fly.
How to play: Sign up for free, and we’ll remind you to lock in your picks before the playoffs begin. It's a home run!
Here’s what has GIST HQ buzzing:
🙌 Who’s Invested
Ally’s on a mission to change the game for women’s sports — just like they’re working overtime to help you meet your financial goals. Check out how they’re investing in women athletes and learn more about how you can help too. Hint: Step one is tuning in and cheering ’em on.*
🍳 How to cook
With an NYT Cooking membership. It's like having a personal chef, and their soup recipes are perfect for this time of year. Get ready for a whole lot of fall yum.
📖 Where to meet
In your inbox for The GIST Book Club’s discussion on September’s book of the month, Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese. Subscribe to The GIST Book Club’s newsletters to keep the convo going.
*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Supporting women's sports never goes out of style.Question of the Day
In between all your sports watching this weekend, there’s probably time for a show or movie…right? We want to know: what’s your fave genre of TV and films to watch? Don’t forget the snacks.
Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Alessandra Puccio, Marga Sison, Lisa Minutillo, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Laura Pastore, Emily Ohman, Emma Leishman, Rachel Fuenzalida, and Lindsay Jost. Fact-checking by Annie Chan and Parul Kanwar. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster and Alessandra Puccio. Managing edits by Ellen Hyslop and Alessandra Puccio. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.