Basketball

🃏 No. 2 Las Vegas Aces — The dynasty chasers

Will the Las Vegas Aces or Phoenix Mercury prevail in the 2025 WNBA Finals?

Today’s newsletter has everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s 8 p.m. ET Game 1 tipoff, from the reason each squad could hoist the championship trophy to the Finals tidbits that could decide the series. Let’s hoop to it.

October 03, 2025

Amazon Prime teams up with FanDuel to use betting to drive viewership to WNBA, NBA

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Yesterday, FanDuel partnered with Amazon to become the official odds provider for WNBA and NBA games on Prime Video. The partnership — which will offer real-time odds and in-app bet tracking — capitalizes on the power of gamification across the sports industry as it attracts both avid and casual fans.

October 01, 2025

Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier lambasts WNBA league office in four-minute statement

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Need a little push to say exactly what’s on your mind? Look no further than the aforementioned Collier’s exit interview, where the five-time All-Star lambasted Commissioner Engelbert and the league office in a two-page prepared statement. Receipts, incoming.

October 01, 2025

Las Vegas Aces punch Finals ticket for third time in four years

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As if that wasn’t enough WNBA news for one day, the Finals matchup is officially set. The Phoenix Mercury will face the Las Vegas Aces in the best-of-seven championship series after last night’s 107–98 overtime (OT) win over the Indiana Fever. Here’s how it all went down.

October 01, 2025

Officiating dominates headlines as WNBA playoffs continue

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Even with one WNBA semifinal done and dusted and the other heading for a winner-take-all Game 5, officiating continues to dominate headlines. From the buckets to the blown calls, let’s get into it.

September 29, 2025

WNBA semifinals heading for Games 3 and 4 with both series tied

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Forget the Jo Bros, this weekend is all about WNBA hoops. Game 3s will grace our screens tonight, followed by a double dose of Game 4s on Sunday. Yes, with both best-of-five series knotted at one, that means the Finals matchup could be set before our next newsletter. Burnin’ up.

September 26, 2025

USA Volleyball leaps at opportunity to host women’s world championship in 2027

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This week, Sports Business Journal shared details on how USA Volleyball is approaching a key opportunity in the women’s game. Along with Canada, the governing body is reportedly submitting a bid to FIVB to host the 2027 women’s world indoor volleyball championship. If chosen, it would be the first time the tournament has taken place stateside.

September 26, 2025

Sports News

NY Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello let go one season after franchise’s first championship

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September 24, 2025

There was no shortage of WNBA fireworks yesterday, so let’s start with last night’s on-court Game 2 action with both best-of-five semis now even. The Phoenix Mercury overcame a 20-point deficit, forced overtime, and topped the Minnesota Lynx 89–83, while NaLyssa Smith’s career-high 18 points fueled the Las Vegas Aces’ 90–68 win over the Indiana Fever.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #498

Is WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s job at risk?

October 02, 2025

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Is WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s job at risk?

The exit interview heard ’round the world.

ICYMI, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier lambasted WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league office on Tuesday. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz place Collier’s explosive comments into the league’s larger context, connecting the dots to the ongoing CBA negotiations, the WNBA’s sustainability, and of course, Unrivaled. Questions? Answered.

Thanks to FanDuel for their support of this podcast. A long-time supporter of women’s sports, FanDuel’s best-in-class WNBA bets let you put some skin in the game. Head to FanDuel.ca or download the app to join in on the fun.

A big shoutout to LPGA for sponsoring The GIST of It. To celebrate 75 years of golf greatness, the LPGA is hooking up one lucky fan with an epic VIP Experience to the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida from November 20th to 23rd. Enter here for your chance to win big.