Basketball

The WNBA’s new CBA raises the league’s ceiling — and its floor

Over 100 hours of negotiations later, we finally have a new WNBA CBA. The term sheet is still being finalized and the deal needs to be ratified, but reports indicate the league’s sixth CBA is as transformational as hoped. And exhale.

March 20, 2026

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

TOGETHER WITH

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

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How’s that bracket doing? March is already off to a heart-pounding start, with the signature Madness in full force during yesterday’s men’s first-round matchups.

March 20, 2026

Men’s March Madness tips off with signature first-round chaos

🏀

How’s that bracket doing? March is already off to a heart-pounding start, with the signature Madness in full force during yesterday’s men’s first-round matchups.

March 20, 2026

How the Bhathal family is running Portland

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The Bhathals are changing how the women’s sports game is played, from building the first-ever dual WNBA and NWSL practice facility to creating the first local channel dedicated to women’s sports. That synergy is helping the teams become a major draw for high-profile brand deals. This week, we spoke with Bhathal Merage in a rare interview ahead of her appearance at the Power Play Sports Sponsorship Accelerator about the benefits of owning both teams, both from an ownership and sponsorship perspective. As she put it, “one plus one equals five.” The math is mathin’.

March 20, 2026

WNBA CBA agreement is a win for league, players, and brand partners

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The WNBA and WNPBA reached a verbal agreement on their CBA yesterday, just 51 days before season tip-off. The news is considered a major win for both parties as well as W fans, but there are other players at stake with a lot pinned on the success of this deal: The W’s confirmed and prospective brand partners. Let’s explore what this new CBA means for everyone.

March 19, 2026

Breaking down 2026 women’s March Madness

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Hooping for their NCAA–record extending 13th natty title, the reigning champs are even better this season led by Player of the Year frontrunner sophomore Sarah Strong and grad student Azzi Fudd. The Huskies are unquestionably the team to beat, pummeling opponents by 38.4 points per game on average and riding a 50-game win streak into the Madness.

March 18, 2026

Everything you need to know about 2026 men’s March Madness

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Duke Blue Devils (East): The No. 1 overall seed came tantalizingly close to an undefeated season — their two losses were by a combined four points. Led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the Blue Devils’ only weakness is the absence of guard Caleb Foster, who broke his foot on March 7th. Legendary coaches abound in their region, but head coach (HC) Jon Scheyer can hang with the best.

March 17, 2026

The Sports Bra teams up with WPBA to support storytelling, community around women’s basketball developmental league

Sports Business

The Sports Bra teams up with WPBA to support storytelling, community around women’s basketball developmental league

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March 17, 2026

The Sports Bra and the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA) — a developmental women’s league similar to the NBA’s G League — announced a strategic partnership that will use the sports bar’s reach among women’s sports fans to promote the WPBA as it looks to strengthen relationships with the WNBA and sponsors.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #540

Are you primed for the Madness?

March 19, 2026

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Lace up those dancing shoes. It’s time to boogie.

Men’s March Madness officially begins today, with the 64-team first round tipping off at 12:15 p.m. ET. Before the guys and gals hit the hardwood, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in with a Big Dance primer, spending this episode of The GIST of It talking about the top storylines in the men’s and women’s tourneys. Gimme gimme, shimmy shimmy.