The GIST

NFL teams ready to spend as free agency officially kicks off

The NFL’s free agency period starts today, kicking off the 2026 league year. And there’s New Year resolutions everywhere you look as contenders fill out their rosters, stars hunt for new homes, and the trade market heats up. No dropping the ball here — let’s discuss the latest.

March 11, 2026

Data from Nielsen, SponsorUnited highlight brand opportunity among women’s sports audiences

Last week, Nielsen shared impressive statistics illustrating the growth of women’s sports U.S. viewership in 2025 across many disciplines and audiences. SponsorUnited also shared its own YoY data on trends in women’s sports investment, spanning leagues and industries.

March 10, 2026

ATX Open, Unrivaled demonstrate the value of building player-centric facilities for athletes

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Last week, Front Office Sports covered the ATX Open’s rage room, an idea that came from Jessica Pegula on the podcast she launched alongside Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Kawczyk. After countless women players have been criticized for showing their frustrations on the court, Pegula argued athletes need this — and the tournament agreed.

March 10, 2026

March 10th deadline looms as WNBA CBA negotiations continue

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The WNBA’s self-imposed March 10th collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deadline is…tomorrow — and despite the exchange of highly-classified counterproposals over the weekend, the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal. Let’s hoop to it.

March 09, 2026

What men’s sports can learn from Heated Rivalry

ICYMI, the queer love story framed through a hockey rivalry has become a massive phenomenon averaging 10.6M U.S. viewers per episode, with millions of Canadian viewers returning to rewatch Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s love story. It’s HBO’s most-watched acquired series ever, and the book that inspired it is currently Canada’s top-selling novel.

March 07, 2026

Three things to know about the Milano Cortina Paralympics

Experiencing curling withdrawals? Same. Luckily, the Milano Cortina Paralympics officially begin with today’s 2 p.m. ET Opening Ceremony, marking the 50-year anniversary of the Paralympic Games. Here are three storylines to watch as it all begins in Italy.

March 06, 2026

Plenty of changes as Formula 1 drives into 2026 season

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Start your engines because Formula 1 (F1) is back, with a record-tying 24-race season on deck. From new car numbers to shiny new regulations, plenty has changed ahead of tomorrow’s 11 p.m. ET Australian Grand Prix. Buckle up.

March 06, 2026

Parity sheds light on the power of Paralympic athletes and fans in latest research

Sports Business

Parity sheds light on the power of Paralympic athletes and fans in latest research

March 05, 2026

Yesterday, Parity followed up its recent report on the Olympics with one about fan interest in the Paralympics, which officially kick off tomorrow. Parity’s data illustrates how those who are fans of the Paralympics and women’s sports — spaces where equity is front and center — are excited about Para women athletes and are very aware of brands in the space.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #537

Exclusive: Azzi Fudd’s sharing secrets

March 10, 2026

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Azzi Fudd is that girl.

We don’t want to toot our own horn, but today’s episode is a good one: The Azzi Fudd is on the podcast. A college basketball superstar, fashion icon, and one-half of our fave sports couple, Azzi sat down with The GIST of It co-host Lauren Tuiskula to chat about leading UConn to an undefeated season, making her small-screen debut, and throwing absolute ’fits. A multi-hyphenate queen.