The GIST

We finally have the deets on the NWSL’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed on August 9th, and they’re even better than expected. The league has granted unprecedented player autonomy through several concessions, including the elimination of its draft. Here’s more on how the NWSL just became arguably the most player-forward league in sports.

August 23, 2024

Indiana Fever report WNBA highs in attendance, social media engagement, and team sponsors

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The Indiana Fever may rank seventh in the WNBA standings, but the team is coming first in virtually every meaningful business growth metric. This Wednesday, the Fever released pivotal numbers demonstrating just how much Caitlin Clark has already changed the game for the franchise.

August 16, 2024

NWSL and NWSLPA agree to CBA terms through 2030

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On Friday, Sportico broke the news that the NWSL and its players’ union, the NWSLPA, had quietly agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in effect through at least 2030. It’s a smart play for both sides as the NWSLPA pushes for improved conditions and the league looks to get ahead of labor demands as it expands.

August 12, 2024

Angel City FC expands nonprofit community investment with Angel City Impact Fund

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The NWSL’s Angel City FC (ACFC) further leaned into its namesake by launching a new philanthropic branch called the Angel City Impact Fund on Monday. It’s the latest way the club is making good on its intention to give back to the LA community, a plan that has engendered love — and a fiercely loyal fandom.

July 31, 2024

Former USWNT players bringing starpower and views to broadcast platforms

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Women’s soccer players have been featured in primetime more than ever this year — and no, we’re not just talking about the matches on TV. Many active and retired women’s soccer stars are going from the pitch to the mic as they’re increasingly seen as assets in the media game.

July 24, 2024

Warner Bros. Discovery leans into sports media trend with first-ever USWNT altcast

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Following parent company Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) decision to add live men’s sports to HBO in October, revamped WBD-owned channel TruTV and Max — HBO’s streamer announced their first-ever USWNT alternative telecast (aka altcast) yesterday.

July 12, 2024

Disney CEO Bob Iger and USC Dean Willow Bay to purchase Angel City FC at a record-high valuation

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After putting its controlling stake up for sale in March, Angel City FC is seeing even more big-name buy-in. As mentioned on Wednesday, longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, USC journalism school dean Willow Bay, are reportedly purchasing that controlling stake in the NWSL club, which now has a reported valuation between $250M and $300M.

July 08, 2024

Sports Business

Reading FC Women falls to fifth tier of UK women’s soccer amid club’s financial freefall

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July 03, 2024

Despite the rising popularity of women’s soccer in the U.K., the standing of Reading FC Women has dipped from bad to worse. Per SportsPro Media, the team, which played in the second-tier Women’s Championship (WC) last season, recently applied for fifth-tier status as finances have rendered the club unable to meet WC’s compliance requirements.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #397

NFL off-field updates & Solheim Cup preview

September 12, 2024

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

NFL off-field updates & Solheim Cup preview

Hi there!

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dive into two complex NFL headlines. First, El and Steph revisit the lawsuit against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was recently accused of sexual assault after facing 26 civil suits accusing him of sexual misconduct.

El and Steph also discuss the developing story regarding the police detainment of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and two of his teammates ahead of last Sunday’s game. The incident has come under serious scrutiny.

Then in part two, the gals preview the 19th edition of the Solheim Cup where the top women golfers in the U.S. and Europe will be facing off in Virginia as Team USA looks to take back the trophy and Team Europe chases a four peat. Who’s ready for the tee?

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.