The GIST

Flau’jae Johnson’s confident smile is her not-so secret weapon

Flau’jae Johnson’s confident smile is her not-so secret weapon

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March 11, 2026

Data from Nielsen, SponsorUnited highlight brand opportunity among women’s sports audiences

Last week, Nielsen shared impressive statistics illustrating the growth of women’s sports U.S. viewership in 2025 across many disciplines and audiences. SponsorUnited also shared its own YoY data on trends in women’s sports investment, spanning leagues and industries.

March 10, 2026

What men’s sports can learn from Heated Rivalry

ICYMI, the queer love story framed through a hockey rivalry has become a massive phenomenon averaging 10.6M U.S. viewers per episode, with millions of Canadian viewers returning to rewatch Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s love story. It’s HBO’s most-watched acquired series ever, and the book that inspired it is currently Canada’s top-selling novel.

March 07, 2026

Three things to know about the Milano Cortina Paralympics

Experiencing curling withdrawals? Same. Luckily, the Milano Cortina Paralympics officially begin with today’s 2 p.m. ET Opening Ceremony, marking the 50-year anniversary of the Paralympic Games. Here are three storylines to watch as it all begins in Italy.

March 06, 2026

Parity sheds light on the power of Paralympic athletes and fans in latest research

Yesterday, Parity followed up its recent report on the Olympics with one about fan interest in the Paralympics, which officially kick off tomorrow. Parity’s data illustrates how those who are fans of the Paralympics and women’s sports — spaces where equity is front and center — are excited about Para women athletes and are very aware of brands in the space.

March 05, 2026

StubHub creates dedicated platform for women’s sports tickets in response to surging demand

This week, StubHub launched HerSportsHub, the first dedicated place for reselling tickets to women’s sports events. The platform will include access to WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, and NCAA women’s basketball games, aligning with StubHub’s latest data-driven insights on how fandom is surging across these sectors.

March 05, 2026

Portland’s NWSL, WNBA teams launch local women’s sports channel as joint ownership unlocks powerful opportunities

Last week, the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire announced that the organizations — both owned by the Bhathal family — will create a local women’s sports channel in Portland, OR, to showcase content from both teams on Fox 12 Plus. The Fire are also partnering with streaming platform Kiswe to create a dedicated team app.

March 03, 2026

Why Rebel Girls resonates with Gen Alpha sports fans

Sports Business

Why Rebel Girls resonates with Gen Alpha sports fans

February 28, 2026

In December 2024, girls empowerment brand Rebel Girls entered the sports chat for the first time, making a splash through partnerships with two emerging women’s sports leagues: LOVB and AUSL. Rebel Girls saw its audience of Gen Alpha girls organically respond to its sports-centric content, so the brand leaned in. Over a year later, Rebel Girls is going even deeper into the sports world. Rebel Girls announced four new sports-inspired series this week, while also naming 14-year-old Pepper Persley as its first-ever brand ambassador and Emma May-Bradley as chief content and marketing officer.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #539

Yes, Alex Morgan has a favorite NWSL player

March 17, 2026

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Yes, Alex Morgan has a favorite NWSL player

There’s legends, and then there’s Alex Morgan.

The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champ is now a certified friend of The GIST after chatting with podcast producer Alessandra Puccio before the start of the biggest-ever NWSL season. Morgan is using her platform to make youth soccer safer across the country and spilling tea along the way, from her future as a youth soccer coach to her favorite players to watch in the NWSL. Pour yourself a cuppa.