The GIST

PIF doubles down on WTA investment by sponsoring maternity benefits

Yesterday, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) built on its expansive partnership with the WTA by launching the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, the first in women’s sports history to offer paid maternity benefits to self-employed athletes.

March 07, 2025

World No. 19 Madison Keys capture first Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open, No. 1 Jannik Sinner repeats as men’s champion

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Tennis’ first Grand Slam champions of the year have been crowned, with a new winner in the women’s game and a repeat trophy hoister on the men’s side. Take a bow.

January 27, 2025

No. 19 Madison Keys to face No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Australian Open final, No. 7 Novak Djokovic retires in semis to end bid for 25th Grand Slam title

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January 24, 2025

No. 19 Madison Keys advances to seventh Grand Slam semi

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January 22, 2025

Unexpected upsets across the opening round of the Australian Open

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It’s only the second round at the Australian Open (tennis’ first Grand Slam of the season), but headlines are already popping Down Under, from unexpected upsets to a Brazilian teen making a splash in his first career Slam.

January 15, 2025

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

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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

A 2025 Australian Open preview

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The Australian Open — tennis’ first Grand Slam of the year — began in Melbourne last night, so today, we’re serving up all you need to know as the tourney continues this morning. Start practicing your Aussie slang and accent, and walkabout through this year’s preview.

January 12, 2025

Sports Business

WTA Ventures reports 24% revenue growth since 2023 launch

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December 04, 2024

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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #459

WTF: Ironman reverses their equality stance

May 15, 2025

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

WTF: Ironman reverses their equality stance

Well that ain’t it.

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about Ironman (no, not this Iron Man) after the sport’s governing body recently announced that women won’t have their own championship race starting in 2026. It’s only been three years since the sport separated the women’s and men’s events — and the ripple effects of shifting back are vast.

Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz provide the context you need before digging into the details about the decision itself, including how it will disproportionately affect women competitors. Not cool.