Snoop Dogg is going to Paris

The GIST: The No. 8 CanWNT begin their gold medal defense tomorrow, taking on No. 28 New Zealand at 11 a.m. ET in one of the first games of the Paris Olympics. Before our women’s soccer tourney primer hits your inbox tomorrow, here’s a deep dive on the red and white.

Canada’s making headlines for the wrong reasons: Yesterday, a “non-accredited member” of the Canada Soccer support team was detained in France after allegedly using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s practice session.

• The Canadian Olympic Committee is currently reviewing next steps with the International Olympic Committee, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer and FIFA. Not a good look.

Head coach Bev Priestman is relying on a veteran squad: Priestman is running it back in France, originally selecting 13 players from the gold-medal winning Tokyo Games squad to compete.

• Priestman clearly prioritized experience with this roster, an intentional choice to boost Canada’s confidence after a disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC).

CanWNT’s top impact players: Following Christine Sinclair’s retirement from international play, midfielder Jessie Fleming is the captain now, directing play in the center of the pitch. Apart from Fleming, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan can be counted on for big time saves, while winger Ashley Lawrence will be relied upon to make crucial plays and stymy opponents’ attacks.

• Unfortunately, defender Sydney Collins fractured her leg in a pre-tourney friendly against Nigeria last Wednesday and has been replaced by Gabrielle Carle, whose alternate spot was filled by veteran defender Desiree Scott, a tough cut from Priestman’s original roster.

Group stage gameplan: Canada was drafted into very hard Group A, alongside New Zealand, No. 2 France, and No. 22 Colombia. CanWNT should beat the Football Ferns tomorrow, but to overpower Les Bleues and Las Cafeteras, Canada needs to find their offensive spark, as scoring goals that aren’t penalty kicks isn’t exactly their strong point. Onwards and upwards.

Have you heard the news? The GIST is officially heading to the biggest sporting event of the summer and partnering with adidas to bring you exclusive content. We’ll have a behind-the-scenes look at styling PWHL star Sarah Nurse, a tour of adihouse led by a very special guest, a trip to adidas’ flagship store, and so much more.

• Catch it all by following along on our socials beginning this Sunday. Because with adidas, YOU GOT THIS.

⚾ MLB: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays — Tonight at 7:07 p.m. ET — Sportsnet+

• With the trade deadline less than a week away and plenty of uncertainty in The Six, one thing’s for sure: outfielder George Springer has found a spring in his step and will look to lead the Jays in this American League East clash.

⚽ MLS All-Star Game: Tonight at 8 p.m. ET — MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

• There’s about to be a sky field full of stars when 29 of MLS’ brightest — including Toronto FC’s Federico Bernardeschi — represent the league against the best of Mexico’s Liga MX in Columbus. Get your game on, go play.

⛳ LPGA: CPKC Women’s Open — Tomorrow to Sunday — TSN5

• Calgary’s Earl Grey Golf Club will play host to the 50th edition of the Canadian Women’s Open, featuring Olympic-bound Brooke Henderson (Canada), Lilia Vu (USA), and Rose Zhang (USA). Tee-rific.

⚽ NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup: Utah Royals FC vs. Portland Thorns — Saturday at 10 p.m. ET — Paramount+

• CanWNT legend Christine Sinclair won’t be with her red and white teammates in Paris, but she’s certainly still making an impact with her NWSL club, the Portland Thorns. Sincy and the Thorns will look to stay undefeated in Summer Cup group stage play against the Royals.

While dreams are coming true for hundreds of soccer players on this summer’s world’s stage, BMO is working overtime to put those goals in reach for underprivileged Canadian kids.

• Through tons of grassroots initiatives like the BMO x Whitecaps Community Soccer Experience, the “Bank of Soccer” is growing the game for everyone, one goal at a time. Now that’s how you level the playing field.

Two words: Allyson. Felix. We were honored to chat with the track & field legend and women’s sports icon to discuss her idols growing up, her perspective on Paris, what’s next for women’s sports, and much more. Here are a couple of highlights from our conversation with the GOAT:

🏃 On her mindset and mantra before races: “Steve Prefontaine always said ‘to do anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.’ … It’s a gift to be able to run, to move your body, and especially to do it for a living.”

📈 On the growth in women’s sports: “We’ve seen social media really change things…just the access to watching women’s sports, the ability to watch clips and see more of the personality of the athletes has been really incredible.”

❤️ On being a mom: “Now that I have a son, I’m excited to show him that you can have a female role model, you can have a male role model…teaching them about character and integrity in sports and how it gives you this incredible foundation for whatever you want to do in life.” So special.

Listen to the full episode with Felix today and subscribe to catch our next athlete interview.