The GIST

TikTok’s anticipated U.S. ban set to have adverse effect on sports influencers, fans

A U.S. ban on social media app TikTok is set to go into effect Sunday, which will have broad repercussions across the sports landscape. While major media networks may be minimally affected by the ban, casual sports fans and content creators — especially women athletes — will feel the loss.

January 17, 2025

Shutdown of Venu Sports raises questions about future of sports bundling

Venu Sports — the bundled, sports-focused app created by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery — was shelved Friday without ever hitting the market. After a year of legal battles, the premise of Venu continued to raise antitrust concerns, even after Disney dissolved its contentious lawsuit with FuboTV.

January 13, 2025

Sydney Colson wins another brand gig as women athletes illustrate power of content creation

P.R.O.S. Sports Housing — a company that provides short-term housing for pro athletes — rebranded as Mavrx Sports Housing and announced a new partnership with Las Vegas Aces star Sydney Colson this week. Mavrx is the latest company to enter the WNBA space by teaming up with Colson, who’s been renowned for her marketability.

January 08, 2025

Coco Gauff continues investment trend among women tennis stars by backing Unrivaled

On Monday, tennis star Coco Gauff joined a long list of athlete investors backing 3v3 basketball league Unrivaled, which has secured $35M in total funding. Gauff’s investment highlights how WTA athletes have proven to be adept investors across the board.

January 08, 2025

Beauty brands continue to partner with women’s sports leagues and athletes

On Friday, Unrivaled debuted an innovative multiyear partnership with popular beauty retailer Sephora. This is the latest beauty partnership in the women’s sports space, as companies have begun to realize women athletes are the ideal brand marketers thanks to their authenticity and reach.

January 06, 2025

Women’s college sports showcased viewership potential last month

December was a winning month for sports ratings, with the NFL and NBA both benefiting from holiday downtime and marquee broadcasts. While most women’s pro sports leagues were on the sidelines last month, women’s college sports are quickly proving they can also capitalize on prime December viewership.

January 03, 2025

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

Sports Business

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

December 13, 2024

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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #427

Unrivaled’s superstars, the NFL Divisional Round, and previewing the CFP Championship

January 16, 2025

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Unrivaled’s superstars, the NFL Divisional Round, and previewing the CFP Championship

Go long!

On today’s three-part episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz go long as they preview three major sporting events this weekend. First up, the gals continue their deep dive into new pro women’s basketball 3v3 league Unrivaled ahead of its inaugural tipoff on Friday, previewing the teams, players, and coaches that will make this league a thrilling watch.

Then in part two, El and Steph head to the gridiron to chat through the NFL Divisional Round taking place this weekend. This quarter-final round features eight teams and four marquee matchups, including an AFC showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.

Finally, the gals wrap up with a preview of the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game between No. 7 seed Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State. It’ll be the first title game in the 12-team CFP era, which paved the way for two low-seeded underdogs to advance all the way. May the best team win.