The GIST

Ally reaffirms unique NWSLPA partnership in multiyear extension through 2027

Today, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) and Ally agreed to a multiyear extension of their existing sponsorship deal through 2027. The recommitment comes as Ally continues to advance its 50/50 Pledge goal and further proves the viability of partnering with pro players unions in women’s sports.

April 24, 2024

Caitlin Clark’s marketability continues to rise

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Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines as she heads into her first WNBA season. While we wait for Clark to bring her game to the Indiana Fever’s court, here’s the latest on how she’s changing the women’s basketball (business) game.

April 22, 2024

New data on Canadian women’s sports fans provides valuable insights for U.S. expansion

Canadian Women & Sport released its latest data on Canadian fans today: “It’s Time: Unlocking the Power of Pro Women’s Sports Fans.” While the initial “It’s Time” report in 2023 mapped out the Canadian landscape for women’s sports development, this edition presents insight into the unique attributes of women’s sports fans in Canada.

April 22, 2024

Caitlin Clark reportedly nearing eight-figure Nike shoe deal

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We’ve got news for the “Caitlin Clark is taking a pay cut” crowd: She’s expected to hit another payday as she steps into the WNBA limelight. Recent reports indicate Clark is close to signing an eight-figure signature shoe deal with Nike worth over $20M with the potential for bonuses.

April 19, 2024

WNBA, NWSL seeing boosts in merch sales and product development

The business of women’s sports is exploding across the board, including for merchandise, which women’s sports fans are 1.5x more likely to buy. Supporters are lining up to buy expanded merch options, which is presenting tricky logistical issues for manufacturers. Here are some current examples showing how supply doesn’t meet demand.

April 19, 2024

Chevron further invests in LPGA through expanded Chevron Championship prize purse

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The LPGA announced an extended partnership with energy corporation Chevron yesterday, which includes continued title sponsorship of the Chevron Championship through 2029 and a $7.9M prize purse this year.

April 17, 2024

WNBA draftees shine as women athletes are primed for their luxury fashion moment

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The WNBA has come a long way from basketball’s problematic dress code and gendered expectations, finally allowing players the freedom to wear what they want. Women’s sports leagues are leaning into this now more than ever thanks to increased exposure, which makes athletes worthwhile investments for luxury brands.

April 17, 2024

🏒 The PWHL effect on women’s hockey by the numbers

Sports Business

PWHL has demonstrable effect on IIHF Women’s World Hockey championship

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April 15, 2024

The U.S. lost to rival Canada in OT in the gold medal match of this year’s IIHF Women’s World Championship last night in Utica, NY. The competition, which began in 1990 and has featured these two nations in the championship 22 out of 23 times, introduced a new element to the ice this year: the PWHL. Here’s how the pro women’s hockey league is impacting the game.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #361

Reggie Bush’s Heisman trophy, Larry Nassar settlements & a 2024 NFL Draft preview

April 25, 2024

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Reggie Bush’s Heisman trophy, Larry Nassar settlements & a 2024 NFL Draft preview

Hello!

Content warning: Today’s episode contains mention of sexual assault and abuse.

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz round up some major mid-week headlines in a three-part deep dive. First up, El and Steph discuss football star Reggie Bush’s historic Heisman Trophy reinstatement and what it says about the transforming college sports landscape.

Then in part two, the gals discuss the multimillion dollar Department of Justice settlement reached this week for the survivors of disgraced Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, a settlement stemming from the FBI’s negligence.

And to round it out, El and Steph kick it back to the football field for an NFL Draft preview before the first names are called on Thursday night.

Thank you to Aflac for supporting 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.