The GIST

Sports Innovation Lab insights show companies plan to spend more in women’s sports in 2025

In recent years, sponsors have talked a big game about increasing their investment in women’s sports, and in 2024, many stepped up. According to Sports Innovation Lab (SIL) survey results released yesterday, brands are boosting women’s sports budgets for 2025 and reallocating sponsorship dollars from men’s sports to women’s.

December 20, 2024

No. 4 UConn and No. 7 USC meet for much-hyped women’s basketball matchup

Several top-25 basketball games are on tap this weekend, but none bigger than Paige Bueckers’ No. 4 UConn taking on JuJu Watkins’ No. 7 USC tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

December 20, 2024

2024: The year of the women’s sports revolution

Another year of sports is nearly in the books — but before we flip the calendar to 2025, let’s recap the best and brightest sports moments from 2024. Join us for a walk down memory lane, won’t you?

December 16, 2024

UK research shows widespread brand interest and success in women’s sports sponsorship

Last week, UK–based charity Women’s Sports Trust (WST) found at least 80% of UK brands involved in sports sponsorship are likely to continue investing in the women’s game in the next three years, among other key findings. To collect data, WST spoke to 49 brand decision-makers about their sponsorship plans, with 69% being existing women’s sports partners.

December 13, 2024

EA details how inclusion of women athletes resonates with the next generation of gamers

EA Sports’ annual hockey video game NHL 25 launched an update last Thursday that included PWHL players for the first time. The GIST spoke with EA sports brand general manager and SVP Andrea Hopelain last week to gain insight on the company’s success incorporating women athletes in its games, a strategy that resonates strongly with its Gen Z players.

December 09, 2024

Everything you need to know about expansion drafts

Friday’s WNBA expansion draft is in the books, meaning the Golden State Valkyries have officially selected their first-ever roster. Inspired by the W’s 13th franchise, today’s scroll breaks down expansion drafts across all sports. From the ice to the pitch, the more the merrier.

December 08, 2024

Team Canada celebrates marketing wins from Paris 2024 Olympics

Last Friday, chief brand and commercial officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation Jacquie Ryan was honored as the Canadian Marketing Association’s Marketer of the Year for her work during Paris 2024. While Team Canada is already the top sports property in the country, Ryan’s efforts helped its fandom flourish.

November 27, 2024

Sports Business

Ally CMO Andrea Brimmer discusses impact of women’s sports investment at NWSL Championship

November 25, 2024

Prominent women’s sports sponsor Ally activated at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City this weekend as the financial brand continues investing in the women’s game. Ally is working hard to close the sports sponsorship gender gap, which has helped the brand stand out among competitors.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #422

Volleyball's spotlight moment, plus a College Football Playoff primer

December 19, 2024

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Volleyball's spotlight moment, plus a College Football Playoff primer

Hello, hello!
Forget the holidays — it’s playoff season for a few fall college sports: women’s volleyball and football. On this episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz first preview tonight’s national volleyball tournament semifinals, where all four No. 1 seeds will be duking it out for a spot in Sunday’s championship. And volleyball is just getting started in the U.S., with major news about the Pro Volleyball Federation and League One Volleyball dropping this week.
Then in part two, it’s all about the College Football Playoff, which begins on Friday night. The gals dig through the revamped 12-team format before shouting out the top players to watch on the gridiron. Hut, hut.
A big thank you to Aflac for partnering with us on today’s episode! Add Aflac to your team to close the insurance gap today. Learn more at aflac.com/thegist.