The GIST

WNBA responds to record 2024 viewership with 2025 television schedule

During its record-breaking 2024 season, the WNBA saw a massive viewership jump across networks — especially when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark graced the screen. And based on its 2025 regular-season schedule unveiled last week, the W is doubling down on 2024’s wins with increased broadcast exposure, giving an easy assist to its partners.

March 24, 2025

U.S. Ski and Snowboard secures historic partnership with apparel brand J. Crew

Yesterday, U.S. Ski & Snowboard banked a three-year partnership with American apparel brand J.Crew, making it the governing body’s official lifestyle apparel partner. In J.Crew’s longest deal to date, the brand intends to amplify the connection between snow sports and their après ski lifestyle, especially as the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games roll around.

March 21, 2025

Women’s soccer legends team up to launch global 7v7 soccer league

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With investment in women’s soccer on the rise globally, some of the sport’s brightest minds have teamed up to capitalize on its universal appeal in an adapted format. Yesterday, World Sevens Football (W7F) announced it would launch this May as a multi-city women’s soccer tournament.

March 21, 2025

Deloitte shares insights into surging revenue in women’s sports

Yesterday, Deloitte shared key insights into why the women’s game is generating revenue at an exponential rate. The company predicts global revenue for women’s sports will cross the $2B threshold in 2025, a 240% increase in just two years. This is largely thanks to commercial revenue, which is set to top $1.26B after a rise in engagement, brand recognition, and sponsorships.

March 19, 2025

NWSL expands global reach with new international media rights deals

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On Friday, the NWSL kicked off its 2025 season by allowing more global access than ever thanks to new media rights deals. The league expanded its international reach through ESPN while also signing media rights packages to networks in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia. Through this, NWSL content will now reach more than 130 countries.

March 17, 2025

TNT proposes rotating Unrivaled schedule despite purpose-built Miami facility

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Unrivaled enjoyed a strong debut in its inaugural season, but some are concerned the novelty has worn off. With the exception of its 1v1 tournament, league viewership has petered off since January, with TNT Sports execs telling the Sports Business Journal’s Mollie Cahillane they believe the league should consider touring to reach new markets.

March 14, 2025

Advertisers see their ads overperform across women’s sports in 2024

Women’s sports grew in just about every way last year, including on the ad side. A new report from TV marketing firm EDO illustrates how much advertisers were willing to spend in the women’s sports industry and what they got out of it.

March 14, 2025

Sports Business

Angel City enters unique toy partnership that features limited-edition Tamagotchi

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March 12, 2025

Yesterday, toy company Bandai Namco made history thanks to a unique multiyear partnership with the NWSL’s Angel City FC (ACFC). The deal makes the iconic Japanese brand the first toy company to sponsor a major U.S. professional women’s sports team, one that will debut its own limited-edition Tamagotchi at its home opener this Sunday.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #444

Bracketology 101: Wild, weird, and wacky March Madness trends

March 20, 2025

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Bracketology 101: Wild, weird, and wacky March Madness trends

The odds of making a perfect bracket? 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t tips, tricks, and tools of the trade when it comes to filling out your Big Dance predictions. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz look at the shocking men’s March Madness trends that have stood the test of time, from the seed that always seems to pull off the upset to the underrated skills that turn unknown teams into contenders. Grab your pencils: Bracketology 101 is in session.

A special shout out to Peloton for sponsoring today’s episode! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, Peloton’s easy-to-use app is here to provide you with the workout, support, and community you need. Download the app today for a free 30-day trial.

**New members only. Terms apply. See onepeloton.com for details.