The GIST

Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines as she heads into her first WNBA season. While we wait for Clark to bring her game to the Indiana Fever’s court, here’s the latest on how she’s changing the women’s basketball (business) game.

April 22, 2024

New data on Canadian women’s sports fans provides valuable insights for U.S. expansion

Canadian Women & Sport released its latest data on Canadian fans today: “It’s Time: Unlocking the Power of Pro Women’s Sports Fans.” While the initial “It’s Time” report in 2023 mapped out the Canadian landscape for women’s sports development, this edition presents insight into the unique attributes of women’s sports fans in Canada.

April 22, 2024

Caitlin Clark reportedly nearing eight-figure Nike shoe deal

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We’ve got news for the “Caitlin Clark is taking a pay cut” crowd: She’s expected to hit another payday as she steps into the WNBA limelight. Recent reports indicate Clark is close to signing an eight-figure signature shoe deal with Nike worth over $20M with the potential for bonuses.

April 19, 2024

WNBA, NWSL seeing boosts in merch sales and product development

The business of women’s sports is exploding across the board, including for merchandise, which women’s sports fans are 1.5x more likely to buy. Supporters are lining up to buy expanded merch options, which is presenting tricky logistical issues for manufacturers. Here are some current examples showing how supply doesn’t meet demand.

April 19, 2024

Chevron further invests in LPGA through expanded Chevron Championship prize purse

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The LPGA announced an extended partnership with energy corporation Chevron yesterday, which includes continued title sponsorship of the Chevron Championship through 2029 and a $7.9M prize purse this year.

April 17, 2024

WNBA draftees shine as women athletes are primed for their luxury fashion moment

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The WNBA has come a long way from basketball’s problematic dress code and gendered expectations, finally allowing players the freedom to wear what they want. Women’s sports leagues are leaning into this now more than ever thanks to increased exposure, which makes athletes worthwhile investments for luxury brands.

April 17, 2024

🏒 The PWHL effect on women’s hockey by the numbers

PWHL has demonstrable effect on IIHF Women’s World Hockey championship

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The U.S. lost to rival Canada in OT in the gold medal match of this year’s IIHF Women’s World Championship last night in Utica, NY. The competition, which began in 1990 and has featured these two nations in the championship 22 out of 23 times, introduced a new element to the ice this year: the PWHL. Here’s how the pro women’s hockey league is impacting the game.

April 15, 2024

Sports Business

Potential NCAA transfer portal change prompts women’s basketball departures

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April 15, 2024

With March Madness over and many of the NCAA’s top players preparing for the WNBA Draft, the court will look different come fall. On top of that, the NCAA transfer portal rules might change soon to allow athletes to transfer more than once. With more than 1.1K players already entered, the transfer portal might get pretty crowded.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #360

PWHL playoff push & Nelly Korda’s dominance

April 23, 2024

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PWHL playoff push & Nelly Korda’s dominance

Hey there!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is for the girls with a two-parter full of women’s sport updates. First up, Steph Rotz and guest co-host Lauren Tuiskula discuss yet another historic PWHL weekend along with everything you need to know heading into the final push to the playoffs.

Then in part two, Steph and Lauren highlight world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda and her recent dominance after the American notched her LPGA record-tying fifth consecutive tour victory over the weekend. Tee-rific.

Thank you to Aflac for supporting today’s episode! Just like The GIST tackles the gap in women’s sports coverage, Aflac closes the gap that health insurance leaves behind. Learn more at aflac.com.