The GIST

The U.S. and Mexico have officially withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), leaving Brazil and a joint bid from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in the race. The North American contingent noted it will instead focus on securing rights for 2031, which they believe has potential for bigger ROI.

May 01, 2024

Boston Unity Soccer Partners field community concerns about White Stadium renovation

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Last September, Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) announced its successful bid for an NWSL team that would play in Boston’s historic White Stadium. With $100M worth of renovations slated to start this year, the ownership group is fielding community pushback amid concerns about how an NWSL team would change the stadium’s accessibility for the local community.

April 29, 2024

Ally expands its investment in The Soccer Tournament through new partnership

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Women’s sports heavy-hitter Ally announced its latest major partnership yesterday, becoming the official retail banking partner of The Soccer Tournament (TST). Expanding on its previous investment in TST’s inaugural tournament last year, the new sponsorship brings Ally another step closer to reaching its 50/50 Pledge by the end of 2027.

March 29, 2024

NWSL announces new intraleague competition with Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil

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After a successful inaugural W Gold Cup, the NWSL and Liga MX Femenil — Mexico’s top pro women’s soccer league — will compete in the first-ever NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup this year. Similar to Europe’s UEFA Women’s Champions League, it further proves the viability of international women’s soccer tourneys in the Western Hemisphere.

March 22, 2024

Seattle Sounders and Carlyle Group agree to purchase Seattle Reign FC for $58M

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Private equity (PE) giant Carlyle Group and MLS' Seattle Sounders agreed to purchase Seattle Reign FC for $58M, up from the NWSL club’s $49M October valuation. After the surprise sale of the San Diego Wave for $120M, this makes Reign FC the second NWSL team sold within a week, with both fetching more than their previous valuations.

March 20, 2024

Angel City FC reportedly exploring sale of controlling stake in club

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The NWSL is selling like hot cakes — within the last week, two of its highest-valued franchises have put up the ‘for sale’ sign. A day after the San Diego Wave announced its impending $120M sale, Sportico reported that Angel City hopes to sell a controlling stake amid ownership friction.

March 18, 2024

NWSL expands use of Amazon’s suite of services with extensive multiyear partnership

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Commerce behemoth Amazon is expanding its recent NWSL media rights deal through a multiyear partnership with the league that involves Amazon Prime and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Additionally, the deal makes Amazon the exclusive retail partner of the NWSL and an official licensee.

March 13, 2024

Sports Business

WSL attendance is on the rise as clubs continue to break records

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March 11, 2024

The Women’s Super League (WSL) is enjoying a 43% attendance boost YoY, with Arsenal leading the way in proving that the league deserves a bigger stage. While popularity and crowd sizes do vary among clubs, the overall numbers show upward trends across the board.

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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.