⚽ 2031 is gonna be our year
U.S. and Mexico withdraw their bid to host 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The U.S. and Mexico have officially withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), leaving Brazil and a joint bid from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in the race. The North American contingent noted it will instead focus on securing rights for 2031, which they believe has potential for bigger ROI.
May 01, 2024
🏏 Move of the century
Cricket Australia reveals 10-year plan to bolster women’s cricket in Australia
After investing millions in women’s soccer and restructuring the WNBL, Australia is turning its attention to women’s cricket. Governing body Cricket Australia (CA) unveiled a 10-year plan yesterday formulated with input from top players on how to grow the game, which includes a goal to boost revenue by $65.3M to reach $79.1M by 2034.
May 01, 2024
💰 Not a step back, but a step up
Candace Parker outlines future business plans in her retirement announcement
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WNBA legend Candace Parker announced her retirement yesterday, and like everything else she does, Parker did it differently. In the announcement, she outlined plans to ramp up her business aspirations, which include owning a WNBA team and an NBA team.
April 29, 2024
🏟️ Hurdles in the Hub
Boston Unity Soccer Partners field community concerns about White Stadium renovation
Last September, Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) announced its successful bid for an NWSL team that would play in Boston’s historic White Stadium. With $100M worth of renovations slated to start this year, the ownership group is fielding community pushback amid concerns about how an NWSL team would change the stadium’s accessibility for the local community.
April 29, 2024
🤝 A done deal
The GIST and Parity announce groundbreaking partnership for athlete-driven content
Let’s get personal. The GIST is joining forces with dedicated women’s sports marketing and sponsorship platform Parity to launch our new Athlete Roster offering, which will integrate athlete talent into branded content shared between our platforms. The first-of-its kind partnership allows both companies to uplift women athletes in a brand new way.
April 26, 2024
📱 TikTok on the clock
TikTok bill has implications for athletes and partnerships in the women’s sports space
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed a controversial bill that mandates TikTok parent ByteDance either sell its ownership stake in the social media platform or face a ban in the U.S. If TikTok is banned, the move could devastate the economy built around the platform and have unique implications for women’s sports.
April 26, 2024
💸 Take it to the bank
Ally reaffirms unique NWSLPA partnership in multiyear extension through 2027
Today, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) and Ally agreed to a multiyear extension of their existing sponsorship deal through 2027. The recommitment comes as Ally continues to advance its 50/50 Pledge goal and further proves the viability of partnering with pro players unions in women’s sports.
April 24, 2024
📈 Caitlin Fever runs high
Caitlin Clark’s marketability continues to rise
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April 22, 2024
Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines as she heads into her first WNBA season. While we wait for Clark to bring her game to the Indiana Fever’s court, here’s the latest on how she’s changing the women’s basketball (business) game.
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Ep #363

Women’s soccer roundup & WNBA Canada Game preview

May 02, 2024
Women’s soccer roundup & WNBA Canada Game preview

Guess what…it’s (already) May!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is all women’s sports, all the time. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz kick things off with women’s soccer, first diving into Project ACL, a research initiative examining the environmental factors influencing the knee injury epidemic in the women’s game, before discussing allegations that may keep Zambia’s team out of the Paris Olympics.

Then get ready to hoop in part two, as the gals preview the second-ever WNBA Canada game, a preseason battle between the LA Sparks and the Seattle Storm that’s going down this Saturday in Edmonton.

Big shout out to Aflac for supporting today’s episode! Just like The GIST tackles the gap in women’s sports coverage, Aflac closes the gap that health insurance leaves behind. Learn more at aflac.com.

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🇨🇦 Oh, Canada
New data on Canadian women’s sports fans provides valuable insights for U.S. expansion
Canadian Women & Sport released its latest data on Canadian fans today: “It’s Time: Unlocking the Power of Pro Women’s Sports Fans.” While the initial “It’s Time” report in 2023 mapped out the Canadian landscape for women’s sports development, this edition presents insight into the unique attributes of women’s sports fans in Canada.
April 22, 2024
👟 Caitlin Clark steps up her shoe game
Caitlin Clark reportedly nearing eight-figure Nike shoe deal
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We’ve got news for the “Caitlin Clark is taking a pay cut” crowd: She’s expected to hit another payday as she steps into the WNBA limelight. Recent reports indicate Clark is close to signing an eight-figure signature shoe deal with Nike worth over $20M with the potential for bonuses.
April 19, 2024
📈 Merch madness
WNBA, NWSL seeing boosts in merch sales and product development
The business of women’s sports is exploding across the board, including for merchandise, which women’s sports fans are 1.5x more likely to buy. Supporters are lining up to buy expanded merch options, which is presenting tricky logistical issues for manufacturers. Here are some current examples showing how supply doesn’t meet demand.
April 19, 2024
⛳ Driving the game
Chevron further invests in LPGA through expanded Chevron Championship prize purse
The LPGA announced an extended partnership with energy corporation Chevron yesterday, which includes continued title sponsorship of the Chevron Championship through 2029 and a $7.9M prize purse this year.
April 17, 2024
🛍️ The Net Gala
WNBA draftees shine as women athletes are primed for their luxury fashion moment
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The WNBA has come a long way from basketball’s problematic dress code and gendered expectations, finally allowing players the freedom to wear what they want. Women’s sports leagues are leaning into this now more than ever thanks to increased exposure, which makes athletes worthwhile investments for luxury brands.
April 17, 2024
🏒 The PWHL effect on women’s hockey by the numbers
PWHL has demonstrable effect on IIHF Women’s World Hockey championship
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The U.S. lost to rival Canada in OT in the gold medal match of this year’s IIHF Women’s World Championship last night in Utica, NY. The competition, which began in 1990 and has featured these two nations in the championship 22 out of 23 times, introduced a new element to the ice this year: the PWHL. Here’s how the pro women’s hockey league is impacting the game.
April 15, 2024