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

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 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

Potential NCAA transfer portal change prompts women’s basketball departures

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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.

April 15, 2024

The WNBA expects to double its media rights value in next deal

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The WNBA already believes Caitlin Clark will have a Tiger Woods–like effect on women’s pro basketball, so they’re betting big on her and the rest of 2024’s stacked draft class. On Monday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed to CNBC that the league is looking to double its fees in its next media rights deal.

April 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark and Iowa draw historic viewership throughout March Madness

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Women’s March Madness was expected to be more compelling than the men’s, and the numbers proved this. The tournament hype — largely driven by Iowa’s star guard Caitlin Clark — resulted in the most-watched college basketball games in ESPN history.

April 08, 2024

Despite growth potential, women’s March Madness infrastructure still lags behind

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Viewership numbers from women’s March Madness prove the women’s game is thriving, yet significant infrastructure issues are still holding the tournament back from realizing its full potential (and revenue opportunities).

April 08, 2024

Sports Business

Caitlin Clark’s continued March Madness presence driving women’s basketball economy

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April 03, 2024

Instead of letting women’s March Madness’ media rights hit the market, ESPN renewed its NCAA deal in January — and it’s already paying dividends. While many stars have been knocked out of this year’s tournament, Iowa’s presence in the Final Four will likely have networks and advertisers rooting for Clark to win it all.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #360

PWHL playoff push & Nelly Korda’s dominance

April 23, 2024

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

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.