The GIST

Previewing the 64-team NCAA softball tournament

The 64-team NCAA softball national championship tournament swings into action today with 16 double-elimination Regionals on deck. It’s all part of a massive moment for the sport before the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) season begins next month. Batter up, baby.

May 15, 2026

Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy

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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

PWHL adds two expansion franchises as new markets offer unique value

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The PWHL is getting bigger and better…literally. After adding an expansion franchise in Detroit last week, the league announced new teams in Hamilton, ON, and Las Vegas, NV, yesterday. If those cities weren’t on your bingo card, you wouldn’t be alone — but each market brings its own value to the league. Feeling pucky.

May 14, 2026

Nielsen, ESPN share WNBA viewership insights that illustrate league’s growth among key demos

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Earlier this week, Nielsen shared WNBA viewership insights from the 2025 season and the 2026 WNBA Draft. The numbers show impressive overall success, as well as high growth in specific demographics and regional markets. That, coupled with brand-new viewership data from ESPN, illustrates that the league is stronger than ever in year 30. Let’s get into the paint.

May 14, 2026

Montréal Victoire advance to their first PWHL Finals, will face Ottawa Charge

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Pass the maple syrup because there’s an All-Canadian team PWHL final on deck, beginning tomorrow. Here’s how it happened.

May 13, 2026

New Endy partnership illustrates value of partnering with Canadian WNBA athletes

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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.

May 12, 2026

Montréal Victoire advance to their first PWHL Finals, will face Ottawa Charge

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The Justin Bieber Hallelujah magic came through last night because there’s an All-Canadian team PWHL final on deck, beginning tomorrow. Hold onto your Timbits — here’s how it happened.

May 12, 2026

The biggest headlines from the WNBA’s opening weekend

Sports News

The biggest headlines from the WNBA’s opening weekend

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May 11, 2026

At long last, the Toronto Tempo made their WNBA debut over the weekend, a long-awaited women’s basketball moment in the Great White North. Just in case you couldn’t see through the happy tears (same), let’s catch you up on the rest of the W action.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #556

Kelley O’Hara spills NWSL alt-cast tea

May 14, 2026

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Calling all sports fans. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, executive producer Alessandra Puccio sits down with one of her USWNT heroes, retired two-time World Cup winner Kelley O’Hara. The soccer-loving duo dig into Kelley’s latest adventure: hosting an alt-cast on Victory+ for the NWSL’s Utah Royals vs. Racing Louisville game on Sunday, May 17th at 8 p.m. ET. Between NWSL hot takes and men’s World Cup chit chat, this one’s a must-listen.