Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
🏀
The Golden State Valkyries may as well be in Valhalla (or Ballhalla, as they call it). Shortly after the team shared its season two promotional campaign, CNBC deemed the Valks a billion-dollar franchise — the first in women’s sports history. That’s no accident. Valkyries president Jess Smith and her team have been busy building a juggernaut brand — and in a region full of fervent fans and powerful sponsors, that becomes a billion-dollar pursuit. Last month, we spoke with Smith about the strategies she’s implemented to reach this pinnacle, as well as what’s going to keep the club climbing in year two.
May 15, 2026
New Endy partnership illustrates value of partnering with Canadian WNBA athletesNew Endy partnership illustrates value of partnering with Canadian WNBA athletes
New Endy partnership illustrates value of partnering with Canadian WNBA athletes
🏀
May 12, 2026
Canadian mattress brand Endy is returning as the WNBA’s official sleep partner in Canada, touting a new campaign that stars Canadian athletes across the league. The move doubles down on impressive fan growth in the country, which both Canadian and multinational brands are noting.
Read Full Story
 The week FIFA lost the plot The week FIFA lost the plot

There’s been some major drama going down at FIFA headquarters. Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell stakes in future World Cups to private equity firms — an announcement that was met with immediate backlash. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Alessandra Puccio explain why Infantino’s failed plan caused such a stir and detail the potential fallout from his latest bungle.

Continue Reading

The Dallas Wings are shooting their shotThe Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
The Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
🏀
This year, the Dallas Wings got lucky again. They landed back-to-back No. 1 overall picks, first choosing Paige Bueckers in 2025, then Bueckers’ former teammate Azzi Fudd just a month ago. (The pair are an item on and off the court, but don’t ask the club about it.) In April, we chatted with Wings CEO Greg Bibb about how the team has flourished under his tenure and the hype around the Dallas market, for W fans and brands alike. Everything’s bigger in Texas, after all.
May 09, 2026