The GIST

Saudi Arabia awarded 2034 FIFA men’s World Cup despite history of human rights abuses

While trying to distance themselves from a reputation of bribery and corruption, international soccer’s governing body FIFA is once again drawing significant flack after a controversial decision regarding the 2034 men’s World Cup (WC) tournament. Let’s dive in.

December 13, 2024

NBA Cup semifinals tip off on Saturday

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The NBA Cup, the league’s second annual in-season tournament, is heading to Sin City, with four teams vying for a spot in Tuesday’s grand finale. What happens in Vegas…will send every player on the championship-winning team home with a sweet payday, so let’s toss up the ball and preview tomorrow’s semis tilts.

December 13, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder secure NBA Cup semifinal berths with two more spots still up for grabs

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With the four-game NBA Cup group stage in the rearview mirror, we’re in the midst of four do-or-die quarter-final matchups. Swap your holiday countdown cal for a basketball — ’tis the (NBA) season after all.

December 11, 2024

Everything you need to know from NFL Week 14

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Another football Sunday is in the books, showcasing everything from acrobatic catches to remarkable rushing touchdowns (TDs) to game-clinching scores — and that’s just courtesy of LA Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

December 09, 2024

Superstar free agent Juan Soto signs with the NY Mets as Winter Meetings begin

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The Juan Soto sweepstakes came to an end on the first day of MLB’s Winter Meetings as the superstar outfielder signed a record-breaking $765M, 15-year deal with the NY Mets yesterday, trading his Pinstripes for orange and blue.

December 09, 2024

Everything you need to know about expansion drafts

Friday’s WNBA expansion draft is in the books, meaning the Golden State Valkyries have officially selected their first-ever roster. Inspired by the W’s 13th franchise, today’s scroll breaks down expansion drafts across all sports. From the ice to the pitch, the more the merrier.

December 08, 2024

Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd requests trade, WNBA expansion draft kicks off tonight

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From the soon-to-be 14th WNBA team Toronto Tempo’s rather quick name drop, to tonight’s expansion draft, to major news in Seattle, the W offseason headlines are flying fast and furious. How’s that for pace?

December 06, 2024

Sports News

Sir Lewis Hamilton will drive last race for Mercedes at World Constructors’ Championship–deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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December 06, 2024

Some drivers are leaning into the brotherly love heading into this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale, while others are choosing a different way to express their feelings. The tea is hot, the beef is well done, and there’s plenty on the line as F1 prepares to cap off another dramatic season.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #420

A Heisman Trophy explainer, way-too-early NFL award predictions & a dive into the Women’s Lacrosse League

December 12, 2024

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A Heisman Trophy explainer, way-too-early NFL award predictions & a dive into the Women’s Lacrosse League

Hey there!

End-of-year awards season chatter is growing by the minute, and the football world is no exception. The fun begins on Saturday, when the Heisman Trophy, aka, the MVP award of college football, will be handed out. Before the winner is named, today’s episode of The GIST of It begins with an explainer on one of the most important trophies in college sports and the four players in contention for the coveted prize.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. With just four weeks left in the NFL regular season, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their way-too-early picks for some end-of-season NFL awards, along with their thoughts as to how the playoff picture might shape up.

And last but not least, the new Women’s Lacrosse League announced their inaugural four-team names yesterday, so the gals are taking a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

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.