The GIST

The WNBA is looking to leverage all available tools to build interest in the game, and that means taking a winning move out of the men’s sports playbook. ESPN announced yesterday that for the first time ever, the WNBA’s opening night doubleheader will be available on Disney+ in addition to streaming on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

May 08, 2024

Angel Reese forges path as a cultural icon in women’s sports

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The spotlight might be bright on Caitlin Clark, but Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is also becoming a cultural force — on Monday, she became the first WNBA rookie to make a Met Gala appearance. Reese is uniquely positioned to become a sports and fashion icon, reflecting a moment where women athletes are appreciated for their marketing and trend-setting potential.

May 08, 2024

WNBA pivots to airing on League Pass app despite marquee preseason matchups

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The WNBA saw the Caitlin Clark Effect play out on the court this weekend in a sold-out preseason game between the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings. But the league’s decision to keep the game — and the popular WNBA Canada preseason game — exclusively available on WNBA League Pass in the U.S. may have been a missed bucket for the league.

May 06, 2024

Candace Parker outlines future business plans in her retirement announcement

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WNBA legend Candace Parker announced her retirement yesterday, and like everything else she does, Parker did it differently. In the announcement, she outlined plans to ramp up her business aspirations, which include owning a WNBA team and an NBA team.

April 29, 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

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 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

Sports Business

Potential NCAA transfer portal change prompts women’s basketball departures

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April 15, 2024

With March Madness over and many of the NCAA’s top players preparing for the WNBA Draft, the court will look different come fall. On top of that, the NCAA transfer portal rules might change soon to allow athletes to transfer more than once. With more than 1.1K players already entered, the transfer portal might get pretty crowded.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #364

A PWHL playoff preview, the WNBA’s growing pains & an interview with LA Sparks rookie Cameron Brink

May 07, 2024

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A PWHL playoff preview, the WNBA’s growing pains & an interview with LA Sparks rookie Cameron Brink

Happy First Tuesday in May!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is downright hoop-tastic, as co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz go all in on the WNBA. First, the gals dive into the preseason problems plaguing the league, specifically broadcasting issues that resulted in a fan live streaming a preseason Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx game for 2M (!!!) viewers. Thankfully, the W is already making adjustments with their biggest season ever scheduled to tip off in exactly one week.

Then get ready for a sweet treat in part two, as El sits down with WNBA rookie Cameron Brink to discuss her partnership with New Balance as well as her transition from a dominant collegiate career at Stanford to the new kid on the block with the LA Sparks.

Big shout out 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/thegist.