The GIST: NFL free agency is typically one of the most exciting times of the year, but, as we discussed on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It podcast, some troubling trade rumors have us feeling more anger than eager towards the impending flurry of news.*

The GIST: Nine days and 78 events later, the 2022 Winter Paralympics finished with yesterday’s Closing Ceremony, but the images of strength and resilience on display in Beijing will last well beyond the Games.

The GIST: Ahead of Friday’s start of the NWSL Challenge Cup, Angel City FC co-founder and president Julie Uhrman told SXSW attendees on Sunday that the club has already booked $35 million in sponsorship revenue, despite not yet playing a game.

The GIST: The rollercoaster continues for Chelsea after the U.K. sanctioned club owner and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich on Thursday. Another major sponsor — Hyundai — is suspending its deal with the club, while regulatory bodies are cutting Chelsea and Abramovich off from funds and power. It takes a village.

The GIST: The last conference champs have been crowned, the fields are set, our (women’s and men’s!) GIST-exclusive bracket challenge is open. Let the madness begin.

The GIST: The U.K. government finally sanctioned Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich yesterday in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. The move, which froze all of Abramovich’s U.K. assets, dramatically impacts club operations and raises questions about Chelsea’s cash flow.

The GIST: U.S. Bank is cashing in on the WNBA’s growing success. The parties announced a multiyear partnership yesterday, making U.S. Bank the official bank of the W. The deal provides more than just a financial boost to the league — it also includes perks for the players.

The GIST: Eighty-four years 99 days later, MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) finally agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) yesterday, ending the second-longest work stoppage in baseball history. Mark your calendar for April 7th, the new Opening Day. Play ball, baby!