The GIST

PVF announces broadcast coverage expansion with media partner CBS

The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) is gearing up for its second year ahead of next week’s draft. In an exclusive with The GIST today, PVF announced an extension of its media rights agreement with CBS through a multiyear deal that includes increased match coverage and cable air time — a historic first for women’s pro volleyball.

November 20, 2024

Canadian Women & Sport release latest report addressing gender gap in youth sports

On Monday, nonprofit Canadian Women & Sport released the 2024 edition of its annual Rally Report, a groundbreaking study that highlights the continued gender gap in access between Canadian boys and girls in sports. The organization surveyed over 5K Canadians aged six to 65, with a specific focus on including over 2K girls aged six to 18.

November 20, 2024

Unrivaled’s rollout heats up as it announces key updates

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Unrivaled — the new 3v3 pro women’s basketball league tipping off in January — is primed for success. As Front Office Sports recently highlighted, savvy leadership decisions and partnerships have positioned the league to profit as interested parties continue to sign on before ticket sales officially go live this week.

November 18, 2024

Women’s Lacrosse League launches amid sport’s continued growth

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On Wednesday, the men’s Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) launched the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL), a new pro women’s league set to take the field in February 2025. PLL communications manager Grace Hamilton chatted with The GIST yesterday to shed light on the league’s decision to go pro on the women’s side.

November 15, 2024

Angel City FC invests in team, community with multimillion dollar practice facility

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Angel City FC (ACFC) announced yesterday that it’s constructing a new and improved, nine-acre performance center on California Lutheran University’s campus, the largest such facility dedicated exclusively to an NWSL club. The move comes as ACFC continues to strive for business growth and upping its valuation.

November 15, 2024

Gen Z, Millennial designer brand platform Revolve partners with LOVB

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Yesterday, leading volleyball brand LOVB Pro announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Revolve, the designer clothing platform beloved by Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. The deal makes Revolve the league’s official online fashion retail partner and highlights innovative ways the clothing industry can appeal to young consumers via sport.

November 13, 2024

WNBA alum and entrepreneur Fran Harris announces Austin’s bid for 16th franchise

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It seems every U.S. city wants in on the WNBA’s 16th franchise. As of yesterday, there’s one more contender: An Austin, Texas, bid led by former Houston Comets player and Shark Tank alumna Fran Harris.

November 13, 2024

Sports Business

Election results may create catalyst for women’s sports sponsors to address inequity

November 08, 2024

This week’s election results confirm Donald Trump will serve a second presidential term, bolstered by a Republican majority in Congress. As discussed on the aforementioned episode of The GIST of It, these political changes can have adverse effects on women’s sports progress, meaning brands may have to step in to make up some of the difference.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #413

Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

November 19, 2024

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

Hoop, there it is!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a hoop-tastic basketball three-parter, co-hosted by Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz. First, it’s all eyes on the WNBA, with the Seattle Storm investigating its coaching staff for alleged player mistreatment and the 2025 Draft order finally set.

Then, it’s the Unrivaled explainer you’ve been waiting for, as the brand-new women’s hoops league prepares to draft its 36 inaugural players into teams, plus a couple updates from Athletes Unlimited Basketball, who are making roster moves themselves.

And finally, there’s so much to discuss from the NBA, from LA Laker LeBron James’ continued dominance to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic season start. All hoops, all the time.

A big thank you to Aflac for partnering with us on today’s episode! Add Aflac to your team to close the insurance gap today. Learn more at aflac.com/thegist.