The GIST

With the NY Liberty and Minnesota Lynx locked in a thrilling shootout for this season’s WNBA crown, it’s the perfect time to look back on the league’s history — from the W’s roots to its bright future and all the jumpers in between.

October 13, 2024

WNBA postseason viewership hits 25-year high on ESPN networks

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The NY Liberty and Minnesota Lynx battled it out on the hardwood in last night’s thrilling Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, but the cherry on top of the women’s hoops cake has been the league’s postseason viewership numbers.

October 11, 2024

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx launch historic WNBA Finals comeback, beat No. 1 NY Liberty in Game 1

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The excitement never stops during the most-watched WNBA Playoffs of all time, and the hype continued as the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx took last night’s Game 1 vs. the No. 1 NY Liberty in dramatic overtime (OT) fashion.

October 11, 2024

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx defeat No. 3 Connecticut Sun in Game 5, will face No. 1 NY Liberty in WNBA Finals

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Nine stellar semis games later, the WNBA Finals matchup is finally set — the No. 1 NY Liberty will face the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx for that shiny Tiffany & Co. Championship Trophy. Here’s how the Lynx clinched their spot and what to expect when the Finals tip off tomorrow.

October 09, 2024

No. 1 NY Liberty advance to WNBA Finals, No. 3 Connecticut force Game 5 against No. 2 Minnesota Lynx

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And just like that, one half of the WNBA Finals is officially set, while the other semi series heads to the best two words in women’s basketball: Game 5. Let’s rock.

October 07, 2024

Healthcare consortium Kaiser Permanente enters multiyear Golden State Valkyries sponsorship

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The Golden State Valkyries announced a multiyear partnership with Kaiser Permanente (KP) yesterday, making the Oakland-based healthcare organization a founding partner of the expansion WNBA team and furthering the healthcare sponsorship trend in pro women’s sports.

October 04, 2024

No. 1 NY Liberty are one win away from the WNBA Finals, as No. 2 Minnesota Lynx and No. 3 Connecticut battle for series advantage

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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s trophy collection keeps growing with more WNBA end-of-season hardware being dished out, but only one member of the recently announced and absolutely stacked All-Rookie Team remains in contention for the championship title. Here’s what’s at stake in tonight’s crucial Game 3s.

October 04, 2024

Sports Business

WNBA shares historic numbers for the 2024 regular season

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October 02, 2024

The WNBA season isn’t over yet, but the league’s regular-season wrap report confirms this year may have been the best one yet. On Friday, the W shared viewership, attendance, and sales data that show the league is in the perfect place for expansion.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #405

A WNBA Finals preview

October 10, 2024

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

It’s the final countdown!

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz have your full preview of the 2024 WNBA Finals, featuring the No. 1 NY Liberty vs. No. 2 Minnesota Lynx.

From how both teams reached the championship series to the players to watch to the incredible attendance and viewership numbers throughout the WNBA regular season and playoffs, El and Steph have a slam dunk of a pod in store. Hoop yeah.

A big thank you to our friends at Aflac for powering 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/thegist.