Three people with ties to the NBA were among the 34 arrested yesterday in connection to a multiyear FBI investigation into illegal betting. Here’s “the gist” on the two indictments (one tied to rigged poker games and the other to illegal sports wagers) and what the FBI director deemed the NBA’s “insider trading saga.” Buckle up.

Former NY Liberty head coach (HC) Sandy Brondello is heading north, tapped as HC for the expansion squad Toronto Tempo on Wednesday. Grab a whiteboard and a marker: We’re breaking down the Xs and Os of the league’s coaching moves.

After yet another whirlwind offseason, the NBA is officially back with tonight’s juicy doubleheader. The first game of the season tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET, when the defending champ Oklahoma City Thunder hoist the franchise’s first-ever banner before taking on the Houston Rockets. In classic GIST fashion, today’s newsletter has everything you need to know about the 2025–26 campaign — ball is definitely life.

The WNBA expanded its Finals to a best-of-seven series, but it looks like the Las Vegas Aces might not need the extra games after taking a commanding 3-0 lead with Wednesday’s 90–88 win over the Phoenix Mercury. Ahead of tonight’s potentially series-ending Game 4 in Arizona, let’s revisit an absolutely thrilling Game 3 before pondering two pressing questions as the playoffs enter their final act.

You already know the Las Vegas Aces boast a two-game lead over the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, which are best-of-seven for the first time. With Game 3 set for tonight at 8 p.m. ET, watch out for a pair of difference makers hellbent on hoops glory.

The Las Vegas Aces boast a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA’s first-ever best-of-seven Finals following yesterday’s 91–78 win over the Phoenix Mercury. The series now shifts from Vegas to Phoenix ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3…but not before we discuss the latest from the hardwood.

It’s officially spooky season in the WNBA as CBA tensions rise ahead of the agreement’s Halloween deadline. With the league generating more revenue than ever — it banked an estimated $226M in 2024 and is expected to haul $500M in 2026 — and players want their rightful slice of the pie.

Today’s newsletter has everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s 8 p.m. ET Game 1 tipoff, from the reason each squad could hoist the championship trophy to the Finals tidbits that could decide the series. Let’s hoop to it.

As if that wasn’t enough WNBA news for one day, the Finals matchup is officially set. The Phoenix Mercury will face the Las Vegas Aces in the best-of-seven championship series after last night’s 107–98 overtime (OT) win over the Indiana Fever. Here’s how it all went down.