The GIST

Canadian Women & Sport release latest report addressing gender gap in youth sports

On Monday, nonprofit Canadian Women & Sport released the 2024 edition of its annual Rally Report, a groundbreaking study that highlights the continued gender gap in access between Canadian boys and girls in sports. The organization surveyed over 5K Canadians aged six to 65, with a specific focus on including over 2K girls aged six to 18.

November 20, 2024

Women’s sports bars provide community and opportunity for underserved fans

With the rise in women’s sports comes an evolution in women’s sports fandom — pull up a stool and let’s explore an exciting facet of the sports industry: the women’s sports bar, where everybody knows her name, and your game’s always on with sound.

November 17, 2024

📖 What to expect when it comes to Title IX

How the U.S. election results will impact women’s sports and beyond

With a tense week behind us, we’re taking today’s Scroll to discuss how the U.S. election news will impact the sports world (and women’s sports in particular) before highlighting the long history of athlete activism.

November 10, 2024

Election results may create catalyst for women’s sports sponsors to address inequity

This week’s election results confirm Donald Trump will serve a second presidential term, bolstered by a Republican majority in Congress. As discussed on the aforementioned episode of The GIST of It, these political changes can have adverse effects on women’s sports progress, meaning brands may have to step in to make up some of the difference.

November 08, 2024

Auto reseller CarMax enjoys benefits of dedicated WNBA, NWSL sponsorship

CarMax is scoring glowing reviews after its latest viral ad starring WNBA royalty — but the popularity boost is more than just good luck. CarMax CMO Sarah Lane chatted with The GIST this week to discuss how the brand’s dedicated women’s sports strategy over the past five years has paid off.

November 08, 2024

No. 8 Wisconsin volleyball sweeps No. 10 Purdue for ninth straight win

October 28, 2024

A collection of spooky sports stories

In honor of the spooky season, we've rounded up some of the sports world’s eeriest ghost stories. So grab a haunting beverage and get ready to dive into the shadows, because these tales are brewing up a cauldron of chills.

October 27, 2024

Sports Business

Parker Valby’s New Balance deal could generate influx of new track fans

October 21, 2024

Former University of Florida track star Parker Valby inked a deal with New Balance last week as she ramps up to her first year as a pro. In an interview with the GIST, Valby said she had a gut feeling New Balance was the right fit for her, opting not to re-sign with Nike after she became the first collegiate women’s runner to sign an endorsement deal with the brand in 2023.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #413

Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

November 19, 2024

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Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

Hoop, there it is!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a hoop-tastic basketball three-parter, co-hosted by Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz. First, it’s all eyes on the WNBA, with the Seattle Storm investigating its coaching staff for alleged player mistreatment and the 2025 Draft order finally set.

Then, it’s the Unrivaled explainer you’ve been waiting for, as the brand-new women’s hoops league prepares to draft its 36 inaugural players into teams, plus a couple updates from Athletes Unlimited Basketball, who are making roster moves themselves.

And finally, there’s so much to discuss from the NBA, from LA Laker LeBron James’ continued dominance to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic season start. All hoops, all the time.

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.