The GIST

PIF doubles down on WTA investment by sponsoring maternity benefits

Yesterday, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) built on its expansive partnership with the WTA by launching the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, the first in women’s sports history to offer paid maternity benefits to self-employed athletes.

March 07, 2025

NY investment firm Blue Owl expands winning US Open strategy to all four Grand Slams

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Yesterday, NYC–based investment firm Blue Owl Capital built on its unique US Open advertising strategy with a marquee tennis sponsorship spanning all four Grand Slams. The company will focus on partnering with lower-ranked challengers to optimize its bets for outsized ROI, while also leveling the endorsement playing field court.

January 13, 2025

WTA Ventures reports 24% revenue growth since 2023 launch

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Last March, the WTA established WTA Ventures, a unique strategic partnership with CVC Capital Partners to create a commercial branch of the women’s tennis tour dedicated to boosting revenue and ROI for the tour. And now the results are in: WTA Ventures increased its revenue by 24% in its first year, setting a new record for the tour.

December 04, 2024

WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia under scrutiny as long-term viability is considered

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The WTA Finals are well underway in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia serves as a first-time host. The tournament competition is heating up, but so is the controversy around holding it in the country, leaving questions about whether the move was truly worth it for the WTA and its partners.

November 06, 2024

ESPN doubles down on US Open media rights with expanded coverage through 2037

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The 2024 US Open has already seen record attendance this year, and ESPN is leaning in. On Wednesday, the sports channel announced a new 12-year media rights extension with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to remain the Grand Slam’s exclusive broadcaster through 2037.

August 30, 2024

US Open boosts tournament revenue with strategic Fan Week opportunities

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The US Open’s main draws may be happening this week, but the year’s final Grand Slam drew historic crowds last week thanks to its Fan Week activations. On Friday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) told Sports Business Journal it’s targeting a record crowd of 1M over a three-week period — and seems to be on the right track.

August 26, 2024

Morgan Stanley further invests in women’s tennis with Serena Williams docuseries

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Today, ESPN will debut In The Arena: Serena Williams, an intimate behind-the-scenes docuseries reviewing the biggest moments of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion’s career. As just the second athlete to headline the award-winning project —Tom Brady’s Man in the Arena won a 2022 Sports Emmy — Williams is (yet again) in rare company.

July 10, 2024

Sports Business

WTA and PIF announce multiyear partnership

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May 22, 2024

Much to the chagrin of at least two tennis legends, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) entered a multiyear partnership on Monday. The eyebrow-raising but not unexpected alliance comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that the WTA Finals will be hosted in Riyadh through 2026.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #451

Is it time for Rory's renaissance?

April 15, 2025

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

A moment for the champion.

Golfer Rory McIlroy reached the peak of his sport’s mountaintop on Sunday, winning the Masters to become just the sixth player to achieve a career Grand Slam. It’s only been a couple of days since McIlroy earned his long-awaited green jacket, but folks already want to know: What’s next?

Today’s episode of The GIST of It explores Rory’s ascension, as co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz explain why a late-career renaissance is on the table for the Northern Irishman. To the greens they go.

This episode was brought to you in part by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today.

A special shoutout to our friends at CIBC for their support of The GIST of It. CIBC is a founding partner of the WNBA’s latest team, the Toronto Tempo, and is pushing women’s sports forward from the ground up, not only supporting women athletes, but podcasters like ourselves who share their incredible stories. Learn more about how CIBC champions ambition to make sports more inclusive today.