The GIST

NY investment firm Blue Owl expands winning US Open strategy to all four Grand Slams

Yesterday, NYC–based investment firm Blue Owl Capital built on its unique US Open advertising strategy with a marquee tennis sponsorship spanning all four Grand Slams. The company will focus on partnering with lower-ranked challengers to optimize its bets for outsized ROI, while also leveling the endorsement playing field court.

January 13, 2025

WTA Ventures reports 24% revenue growth since 2023 launch

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Last March, the WTA established WTA Ventures, a unique strategic partnership with CVC Capital Partners to create a commercial branch of the women’s tennis tour dedicated to boosting revenue and ROI for the tour. And now the results are in: WTA Ventures increased its revenue by 24% in its first year, setting a new record for the tour.

December 04, 2024

WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia under scrutiny as long-term viability is considered

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The WTA Finals are well underway in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia serves as a first-time host. The tournament competition is heating up, but so is the controversy around holding it in the country, leaving questions about whether the move was truly worth it for the WTA and its partners.

November 06, 2024

ESPN doubles down on US Open media rights with expanded coverage through 2037

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The 2024 US Open has already seen record attendance this year, and ESPN is leaning in. On Wednesday, the sports channel announced a new 12-year media rights extension with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to remain the Grand Slam’s exclusive broadcaster through 2037.

August 30, 2024

US Open boosts tournament revenue with strategic Fan Week opportunities

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The US Open’s main draws may be happening this week, but the year’s final Grand Slam drew historic crowds last week thanks to its Fan Week activations. On Friday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) told Sports Business Journal it’s targeting a record crowd of 1M over a three-week period — and seems to be on the right track.

August 26, 2024

Morgan Stanley further invests in women’s tennis with Serena Williams docuseries

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Today, ESPN will debut In The Arena: Serena Williams, an intimate behind-the-scenes docuseries reviewing the biggest moments of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion’s career. As just the second athlete to headline the award-winning project —Tom Brady’s Man in the Arena won a 2022 Sports Emmy — Williams is (yet again) in rare company.

July 10, 2024

WTA and PIF announce multiyear partnership

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Much to the chagrin of at least two tennis legends, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) entered a multiyear partnership on Monday. The eyebrow-raising but not unexpected alliance comes on the heels of last month’s announcement that the WTA Finals will be hosted in Riyadh through 2026.

May 22, 2024

Sports Business

Microsoft renews its partnership with the Billie Jean King Cup

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May 06, 2024

On Thursday, the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup extended its partnership with Microsoft through 2026. It focuses on developing tech solutions for the women’s national team tennis tournament by utilizing the Azure cloud platform, allowing Microsoft to flex its computing muscles in women’s sports amid explosive sector growth.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #425

A College Football Playoff semis preview & NFL MVP candidates to watch in the postseason

January 09, 2025

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A College Football Playoff semis preview & NFL MVP candidates to watch in the postseason

Hut hut!

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz preview a wild weekend on the gridiron. First, the gals check in with the College Football Playoff as the remaining four teams head into the semifinals, with star-studded games on deck tomorrow and Friday. Score.

Then in part two, El and Steph look ahead toward the NFL’s Wild Card weekend kicking off on Saturday. With the Kansas City Chiefs claiming the top AFC seed and the Detroit Lions enjoying a magical run atop the NFC, 12 teams are left to battle it out during this six-game slate — and three MVP candidates are fighting for postseason redemption. Let the games begin.