The GIST

Deloitte and Wasserman share sponsorship insights from brands backing women’s sports

This week, Deloitte shared findings from the Athena Pledge, a research collaboration driven by key sponsors to evaluate the marketing potential in women’s sports. According to the data, sponsorships grew 22% YoY across women’s professional leagues, teams, and athletes in 2024.

January 29, 2025

TikTok’s anticipated U.S. ban set to have adverse effect on sports influencers, fans

A U.S. ban on social media app TikTok is set to go into effect Sunday, which will have broad repercussions across the sports landscape. While major media networks may be minimally affected by the ban, casual sports fans and content creators — especially women athletes — will feel the loss.

January 17, 2025

Shutdown of Venu Sports raises questions about future of sports bundling

Venu Sports — the bundled, sports-focused app created by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery — was shelved Friday without ever hitting the market. After a year of legal battles, the premise of Venu continued to raise antitrust concerns, even after Disney dissolved its contentious lawsuit with FuboTV.

January 13, 2025

Coco Gauff continues investment trend among women tennis stars by backing Unrivaled

On Monday, tennis star Coco Gauff joined a long list of athlete investors backing 3v3 basketball league Unrivaled, which has secured $35M in total funding. Gauff’s investment highlights how WTA athletes have proven to be adept investors across the board.

January 08, 2025

Sydney Colson wins another brand gig as women athletes illustrate power of content creation

P.R.O.S. Sports Housing — a company that provides short-term housing for pro athletes — rebranded as Mavrx Sports Housing and announced a new partnership with Las Vegas Aces star Sydney Colson this week. Mavrx is the latest company to enter the WNBA space by teaming up with Colson, who’s been renowned for her marketability.

January 08, 2025

Beauty brands continue to partner with women’s sports leagues and athletes

On Friday, Unrivaled debuted an innovative multiyear partnership with popular beauty retailer Sephora. This is the latest beauty partnership in the women’s sports space, as companies have begun to realize women athletes are the ideal brand marketers thanks to their authenticity and reach.

January 06, 2025

The big sports events and moments to watch in 2025

That’s right, it’s time to stop writing 2024 on your checks and papers — the new year is officially here. In celebration of the turning of the calendar, today’s Scroll features a handful of the sports events and moments The GIST HQ can’t wait for in 2025. It’s going to be a great one.

January 05, 2025

Sports Business

Women’s college sports showcased viewership potential last month

January 03, 2025

December was a winning month for sports ratings, with the NFL and NBA both benefiting from holiday downtime and marquee broadcasts. While most women’s pro sports leagues were on the sidelines last month, women’s college sports are quickly proving they can also capitalize on prime December viewership.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #429

Blockbuster WNBA trade & the evolving women’s hoops landscape

January 28, 2025

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Blockbuster WNBA trade & the evolving women’s hoops landscape

Happy Tuesday!

Or should we say hoopy Tuesday because today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the WNBA. A blockbuster three-team trade sent shockwaves through the league over the weekend, so co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are breaking down which players are on the move (hint: it’s two All-Stars) and the potential impact of this massive deal.

Then in part two, the gals keep the focus on the W, discussing the evolving landscape in women’s basketball and some free agents to keep an eye on as the offseason rolls on. Thanks for tuning in!