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The top storylines to follow this MLB season

The top storylines to follow this MLB season

The top storylines to follow this MLB season

A season that spans 162 games from March to September provides plenty of opportunity for pondering. The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS, more on that below) is undoubtedly the biggest shakeup of the season, but first, here are the other major storylines we’re following before first pitch.

Breaking down baseball’s biggest plot twist: The ABS Challenge System

Breaking down baseball’s biggest plot twist: The ABS Challenge System

Breaking down baseball’s biggest plot twist: The ABS Challenge System

This year’s campaign features an intriguing plot twist: The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, which will allow players — specifically the batter, the pitcher, and the catcher — to challenge an umpire’s ball or strike call. From how it works to the unexpected fallout , here’s everything you need to know.

Can the Toronto Blue Jays run it back in 2026?

Can the Toronto Blue Jays run it back in 2026?

Can the Toronto Blue Jays run it back in 2026?

Nothing united Canada quite like the Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run, and the impacts are still being felt long after the final out. Youth registration is skyrocketing, the talent pool is deepening, and the power of friendship is alive and well in the blue birds’ clubhouse.

Breaking down the opening weekend of women’s March Madness

Breaking down the opening weekend of women’s March Madness

Breaking down the opening weekend of women’s March Madness

Eight of next weekend’s Sweet 16 teams are already locked in, while today’s jam-packed eight-game slate will determine the other half of the field. That’s right, the Madness is in full swish.

The 2026 men’s Sweet 16 is set

The 2026 men’s Sweet 16 is set

The 2026 men’s Sweet 16 is set

Call up MTV because the men’s (super) Sweet 16 is set following 48 heart-pumping games. Catch up on the second-round drama, then take a moment to regroup before the fun resumes on Thursday.

The WNBA’s new CBA raises the league’s ceiling — and its floor

The WNBA’s new CBA raises the league’s ceiling — and its floor

The WNBA’s new CBA raises the league’s ceiling — and its floor

Over 100 hours of negotiations later, we finally have a new WNBA CBA. The term sheet is still being finalized and the deal needs to be ratified, but reports indicate the league’s sixth CBA is as transformational as hoped. And exhale.

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

How’s that bracket doing? March is already off to a heart-pounding start, with the signature Madness in full force during yesterday’s men’s first-round matchups.

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

Sports News

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

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March 20, 2026

How’s that bracket doing? March is already off to a heart-pounding start, with the signature Madness in full force during yesterday’s men’s first-round matchups.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Did NIL ruin March Madness?

March 24, 2026

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Did NIL ruin March Madness?

Did NIL ruin March Madness?

No glass slippers here.

For the second straight year, there aren’t any true Cinderella squads in the men’s March Madness Sweet 16, as every team remaining hails from an NCAA power conference. What gives? On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula explore the 2024 rule change that changed March Madness forever — and maybe not for the better.

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Baseball on the rise in Canada after historic World Baseball Classic showing

Baseball on the rise in Canada after historic World Baseball Classic showing

Baseball on the rise in Canada after historic World Baseball Classic showing

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela beat Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game. The final out is in the books, but this year’s exhilarating and record-setting tourney is only the beginning as the sport surges in Canada.

Team USA falls short 3–2 to Venezuela in WBC title game

Team USA falls short 3–2 to Venezuela in WBC title game

Team USA falls short 3–2 to Venezuela in WBC title game

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela upset Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game to earn the nation’s first-ever WBC crown. The final out is in the books, with the Americans stunned for a second straight tourney, but there’s plenty more baseball to come. Red, white…no need to feel blue.

Breaking down 2026 women’s March Madness

Breaking down 2026 women’s March Madness

Breaking down 2026 women’s March Madness

Hooping for their NCAA–record extending 13th natty title, the reigning champs are even better this season led by Player of the Year frontrunner sophomore Sarah Strong and grad student Azzi Fudd. The Huskies are unquestionably the team to beat, pummeling opponents by 38.4 points per game on average and riding a 50-game win streak into the Madness.

Everything you need to know about 2026 men’s March Madness

Everything you need to know about 2026 men’s March Madness

Everything you need to know about 2026 men’s March Madness

Duke Blue Devils (East): The No. 1 overall seed came tantalizingly close to an undefeated season — their two losses were by a combined four points. Led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the Blue Devils’ only weakness is the absence of guard Caleb Foster, who broke his foot on March 7th. Legendary coaches abound in their region, but head coach (HC) Jon Scheyer can hang with the best.

Recapping the NWSL’s opening weekend

Recapping the NWSL’s opening weekend

Recapping the NWSL’s opening weekend

NWSL opening weekend was a downright party — and not just the birthday kind. From the two expansion squads making their heart-pumping debuts to our favorite golazo of the season thus far, here are the headlines to know with Matchweek one in the books.

Checking in on the NCAA men’s basketball conference tournaments

Checking in on the NCAA men’s basketball conference tournaments

Checking in on the NCAA men’s basketball conference tournaments

Dust off your dancing shoes because March Madness is right around the corner with Selection Sunday slated for, you guessed it, this Sunday. Most of the women’s conference tournaments have already wrapped, but the men are in the thick of it. Let’s shimmy into the latest.

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