One city at a time
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day!
It’s a year-round celebration here at The GIST, but we will be marking the occasion with a special edition newsletter hitting your inbox later today. Until then, let’s start this party off right with some sports news.
— Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during Monday’s Super Bowl Opening Night press conference, reacting to his recent viral photo. Super Bowl champs and unassuming physiques — name a more iconic duo.
WNBA free agency & NBA trade deadline
🏀 Trading places
The GIST: While NBA hoopers continue to post stunning stat lines on the court, the real basketball blockbusters are going down off it, with WNBA free agency in full swing and the NBA trade deadline set for tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET. Hoop, there it is.
WNBA free agency: Take cover because there’s a new big three in Seattle. The Storm inked top free agent and former MVP Nneka Ogwumike to a one-year deal on Monday, their latest massive acquisition following last week’s signing of six-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith.
- That electric duo will join forces with last year’s league-leading scorer, Jewell Loyd, as Seattle seeks a return to the postseason. A storm is certainly brewing.
- Elsewhere, the rebuilding Chicago Sky dealt 2021 Finals MVP and franchise star Kahleah Copper to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for multiple draft picks and two players.
NBA trade deadline: Woj bombs, incoming…maybe. Typically a day of chaos in one of sport’s most dramatic leagues, this year’s NBA trade deadline is expected to be more tame with superstars likely staying put. But some key role players could still be on the move as playoff-contending teams look to load up for the final postseason push.
- The ones to watch? Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year and current Portland Trailblazer Malcolm Brogdon and 2022 All-Star Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. Stay tuned.
🏒 The Edmonton Oilers saw their bid for the NHL’s longest win streak snapped with last night’s 3–1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, it’s a glow up to be proud of.
⭐ Toronto Raptor Scottie Barnes was named as an NBA All-Star reserve yesterday, replacing injured Philadelphia 76er Joel Embiid. Hey now.
❤️🩹 Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program yesterday, making him the third player to access the program in the last three weeks.
🏎️ Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is under investigation after a female colleague filed a complaint of inappropriate controlling behavior against him.
❄️ The Chicago Blackhawks will host the 2025 NHL Winter Classic, battling the St. Louis Blues at the iconic Wrigley Field. It’s the Connor Bedard effect.
🚨 London (Ontario) Police held a Monday press conference to update the public on the sexual assault allegations filed against five players on Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team and apologize to the victim for taking six years to file charges.
Together With The GIST
Looking for a new listen? Check out our twice-weekly podcast, The GIST of It. Hosted by BFFs Ellen Hyslop and Stephanie Rotz, it’s the women-produced and -hosted sports pod you’ve been waiting for.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our listeners are saying:
- “They are enthusiastic and funny, and I don’t miss an episode!” (Ronbenlisa)
- “The best sports podcast on the air!” (_Jo777)
- “Finally a podcast that gives women’s sports the attention it deserves.” (Dnp!!)
Join the conversation (and these happy listeners!) by subscribing to The GIST of It wherever you listen to podcasts.
🏀 NBA: Toronto Raptors vs. Charlotte Hornets — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET — TSN
- Scottie Barnes will take that All-Star swagger to Carolina as the Dinos look to snap their three-game losing streak against a Hornets squad that’s lost eight in a row.
🇨🇦 Rivalry Series: USA vs. Canada — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET — TSN1/3
- With the red and white down 3-1, the puck drops on game five of the fiercest rivalry in sports as the Canadians look to stave off an American series win in Saskatoon. Manifesting some icy déjà vu.
🏒 NHL: Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins — Tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET — Sportsnet
- The best-in-the-West(ern Conference) Canucks ship up to Boston for a showdown against the Eastern Conference–leading Bruins. Enough said.
Here’s what has GIST HQ buzzing:
🏈 What to learn about
The evolution of the Super Bowl halftime show. Ever wonder how the show transformed into the global spectacle we know and love today? Dive in.
🏒 What to look forward to
PWHL Toronto vs. PWHL Montréal. The two squads will face off from Scotiabank Arena on February 16th. Don’t miss it.
📚 What to read
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman with The GIST Book Club. A sequel to last year’s pick, Beartown, the town is struck with another tough blow with the news that their local hockey team will soon be disbanded. Read with us on Fable today.
Question of the Day
With No. 2 Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark nearing the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record and her next game set for tomorrow night, we want to know: When do you think Clark (who’s averaging over 32 points per game and needs just 66 more) will surpass the mark?
Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Lisa Minutillo, Karissa Dzurik, Monica Schrock, Rachel Fuenzalida, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Laura Pastore, Janine Kiefer, Emma Leishman, and Lindsay Jost. Fact-checking by Parul Kanwar. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alexis Allison, and Dee Lab. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.