The GIST

Wasserman publishes latest report on private equity, asset appreciation in women’s sports

On Monday, Wasserman’s The Collective published the third part of its extensive research on the economy of women’s sports and the influence of women fans. In this edition, The Collective focused on the growth of the women’s sports ecosystem, studying macrotrends exemplified by increased private equity (PE) investment and infrastructure investment.

December 23, 2025

Grand Slam Track announces bankruptcy as Athlos, others illustrate what emerging sports leagues need for success

After months of financial difficulties, track & field league Grand Slam Track (GST) — spearheaded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson — officially filed for bankruptcy last week. As popular Olympic sports try to extend their reach beyond the global competition, GST presents a cautionary tale as it endured common issues faced by upstart sports leagues.

December 16, 2025

Partners of pro athletes offer organic, engaging marketing opportunities for brands and untapped potential in women’s sports

WAGs are where it's at

December 12, 2025

Netflix and Paramount Skydance make billion-dollar moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, shaking up sports landscape

On Friday, Netflix announced it will acquire the streaming and studio divisions of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), now separated under the Warner Brothers (WB) brand, in a $82.7B deal. But in dramatic fashion, Paramount Skydance threatened to finish what it started as it launched a $108.4B hostile bid for the entire company to compete with what was considered a done deal.

December 09, 2025

Breaking down anti-doping whereabouts failures

Yesterday, swimmer Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated Olympian, was banned from competition until 2027 for an anti-doping rules violation. No, the 25-year-old wasn’t caught taking banned substances — she was penalized for a whereabouts failure. Let’s discuss.

November 26, 2025

New app plans to exclusively cater to women’s sports as sector sees growth

Last week, Rival — set to be the first sportsbook built exclusively for women’s sports — shared its plans to be active in three U.S. betting markets by 2026. The platform will include bets across the NWSL, WNBA, NCAA women’s basketball, WSL, WTA, and more, differing from the existing platforms that center men’s sports.

November 25, 2025

New Parity data illustrates the power of Gen Z spending in women’s sports

Yesterday, Parity shared data from a survey of 2.4K U.S. Gen Z adults that ascertained their perspectives and purchasing behaviors. Compounding on previous data reflecting positive Gen Z attitudes toward women’s sports, this new report clarifies how Zoomers feel about women’s sports, women athletes, and sponsors in the space.

November 14, 2025

WNBA legend Candace Parker becomes first woman co-chair of Pro Athlete Community

Sports Business

WNBA legend Candace Parker becomes first woman co-chair of Pro Athlete Community

November 10, 2025

Today, The GIST is exclusively sharing that Pro Athlete Community (PAC) — an organization that supports retired athletes in their post-playing careers — has named WNBA legend Candace Parker as a co-chair on its board of advisors. This is a pivotal move for the org as it recruits more women into its community of over 1.6K retired pro athletes, many of whom are men.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #521

Meet the real-life “Heated Rivalry” Olympians

January 08, 2026

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Meet the real-life “Heated Rivalry” Olympians

It’s a love story, baby.

Just like everyone on the Internet, today we’re talking about “Heated Rivalry.” However, considering Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams haven’t answered our DMs yet, we’re going in a different direction.

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz detail the real-life “Heated Rivalry” love story from the women’s hockey world — because before there was Shane and Ilya, there was Team Canada captain Caroline Ouellette and Team USA captain Julie Chu. Spoiler alert: They live happily ever after.