The GIST

Lagging NBA ratings could benefit from winning women’s basketball strategies

It’s no secret that the NBA has been losing viewership in recent years, something the league has often sought to address with creative and successful solutions inspired by women’s basketball. These learnings could lead to increased collaboration between men’s and women’s hoops, including a shift in how the men’s game interacts with the women’s.

February 21, 2025

Brands activate innovative strategies in NIL deals with college star Paige Bueckers

The stardom of UConn women’s basketball sensation Paige Bueckers has continuously risen throughout her college career, culminating in what could be her most successful (and profitable) season yet.

February 21, 2025

NWSL teams up with Overtime to reach next generation of soccer fans

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The NWSL kicked off an expansive content partnership with youth sports media brand Overtime yesterday, marking the Gen Z–driven company’s first deal with a pro women’s league. By partnering with the popular social media brand, the NWSL will be able to meet younger soccer fans where they are and cultivate new fandom within the next generation.

February 19, 2025

NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Dove sponsorship illustrates how success energizes NWSL fans and sponsors

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Yesterday, NJ/NY Gotham FC inked a multiyear deal with Dove that includes a back-of-jersey sponsorship, reportedly breaking the NWSL’s $500K record for a back-of-jersey logo deal. After years of low turnout, the NYC–adjacent NWSL team has finally been able to take advantage of being in the biggest metro area thanks to big-name signings and on-field success.

February 14, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s PIF deepens its golf influence with latest sponsorship

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Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is stepping up its golf investment on the women’s side. The PIF was announced yesterday as the new title partner of the Saudi Ladies International event, which will feature a $5M prize pool — one of the largest in women’s pro golf outside of the LPGA’s five majors and a few other LPGA Tour events.

February 14, 2025

Super Bowl spotlights growing connection between music and women’s sports

In the wake of Super Bowl Sunday, the symbiotic relationship between sports and music has become more evident than ever as it continues to create opportunities to reach new fans. Here are a few examples of how brands have utilized the connection between these two industries.

February 12, 2025

Unrivaled capitalizes on underutilized 1v1 format through in-season tournament

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Unrivaled is leaning into its name with its inaugural 1v1 tournament, an uncommon format in pro basketball leagues like the WNBA and NBA. Although the idea of an in-season tournament and a casual 1v1 knockout tourney isn’t new, capitalizing on both concepts in a professional league is.

February 10, 2025

Sports Business

UK data illustrates growing interest in women’s sports for domestic and global competitions

February 10, 2025

Last week, UK research group Women’s Sports Trust published a report illustrating how 2024 interest in women’s sports UK audiences has grown for both domestic and international properties. In an increasingly intertwined sports landscape — especially in women’s soccer — these insights are meaningful for marketers at home and abroad.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #433

A 4 Nations preview, plus Trump's trans athlete ban

February 11, 2025

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A 4 Nations preview, plus Trump's trans athlete ban

Today’s episode of The GIST of It has a little bit of everything with one tournament preview and one WTF moment on deck. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz start things off by discussing the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, an NHL hockey tourney that’ll pit Team USA, Team Canada, Team Finland, and Team Sweden against each other for international glory. Icy and spicy.

Then in part two, El and Steph unfortunately have to dig into a massive WTF moment following last week’s news that U.S. president Donald Trump signed an executive order barring trans athletes from competing in women’s sports. El and Steph discuss what exactly an executive order does and the devastating impact this move will have on girls’ and women’s sports.