The GIST

Canadian Women & Sport release latest report addressing gender gap in youth sports

On Monday, nonprofit Canadian Women & Sport released the 2024 edition of its annual Rally Report, a groundbreaking study that highlights the continued gender gap in access between Canadian boys and girls in sports. The organization surveyed over 5K Canadians aged six to 65, with a specific focus on including over 2K girls aged six to 18.

November 20, 2024

Election results may create catalyst for women’s sports sponsors to address inequity

This week’s election results confirm Donald Trump will serve a second presidential term, bolstered by a Republican majority in Congress. As discussed on the aforementioned episode of The GIST of It, these political changes can have adverse effects on women’s sports progress, meaning brands may have to step in to make up some of the difference.

November 08, 2024

Auto reseller CarMax enjoys benefits of dedicated WNBA, NWSL sponsorship

CarMax is scoring glowing reviews after its latest viral ad starring WNBA royalty — but the popularity boost is more than just good luck. CarMax CMO Sarah Lane chatted with The GIST this week to discuss how the brand’s dedicated women’s sports strategy over the past five years has paid off.

November 08, 2024

Parker Valby’s New Balance deal could generate influx of new track fans

Former University of Florida track star Parker Valby inked a deal with New Balance last week as she ramps up to her first year as a pro. In an interview with the GIST, Valby said she had a gut feeling New Balance was the right fit for her, opting not to re-sign with Nike after she became the first collegiate women’s runner to sign an endorsement deal with the brand in 2023.

October 21, 2024

The Athena Pledge hopes to increase brands’ women’s sports spend

The Athena Pledge, a first-of-its-kind, collaborative project between AT&T, Capital One, Cisco, and Deloitte, was announced last week with the aim to rally other brands to increase their women’s sports spend as well as to prioritize women’s sports in their own strategic planning.

October 21, 2024

Inequities in men’s and women’s collegiate sports offer unexpected silver lining

October 18, 2024

Wasserman’s research arm publishes key global insights on women sports fans

The Collective — the women’s sports research branch of talent agency giant Wasserman — published new insights yesterday on women sports fans globally. Its most recent findings indicate women are a growing demographic in sports fandoms, one that activates more keenly around brands — something The GIST knows very well. *winks*

October 04, 2024

Sports Business

Athlos NYC shows early signs of success in inaugural meet

September 30, 2024

Last Thursday, women’s track meet Athlos NYC took off at Icahn Stadium in Manhattan, and seemed to be everything founder Alexis Ohanian billed it to be. As we wait for official viewership and attendance numbers, immediate IRL impressions suggest Athlos could be the next major event on the Big Apple’s sports calendar between the US Open and the NYC Marathon.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #413

Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

November 19, 2024

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Everything we know about Unrivaled, Seattle Storm investigation & WNBA draft lottery results, and NBA storylines

Hoop, there it is!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a hoop-tastic basketball three-parter, co-hosted by Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz. First, it’s all eyes on the WNBA, with the Seattle Storm investigating its coaching staff for alleged player mistreatment and the 2025 Draft order finally set.

Then, it’s the Unrivaled explainer you’ve been waiting for, as the brand-new women’s hoops league prepares to draft its 36 inaugural players into teams, plus a couple updates from Athletes Unlimited Basketball, who are making roster moves themselves.

And finally, there’s so much to discuss from the NBA, from LA Laker LeBron James’ continued dominance to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic season start. All hoops, all the time.

A big thank you to Aflac for partnering with us on today’s episode! Add Aflac to your team to close the insurance gap today. Learn more at aflac.com/thegist.