The GIST

PWHL welcomes outside investment for first time in league history

In big PHWL news, the women’s hockey league under a single-entity ownership structure opened itself to outside investment for the first time yesterday. The PWHL — founded and owned by Mark and Kimbra Walter — welcomed Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies into the league as strategic investors with a commitment of over $100M.

June 23, 2026

Must-know headlines from a weekend of top-tier WNBA hoops

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Must-know headlines from a weekend of top-tier WNBA hoops

🏀

The Summer Solstice didn’t just usher in longer days — it also brought some of the best performances women’s basketball has to offer.

June 22, 2026

Must-know headlines from a weekend of top-tier WNBA hoops

🏀

The Summer Solstice didn’t just usher in longer days — it also brought some of the best performances women’s basketball has to offer. Let’s hoop to it.

June 22, 2026

Spain’s Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal, plus other highlights from the second weekend

⚽

So much fútbol, so little time. Here’s the latest from the World Cup (WC).

June 22, 2026

USMNT eyes back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time in 96 years

⚽

It’s been one week since the USMNT (red, white, and) blew our minds with their historic 4–1 World Cup (WC) win over Paraguay. Just like the American Outlaws, the group stage continues marching on with Game 2 against Australia today at 3 p.m. ET. Which team will hop to the top of the Group D standings?

June 19, 2026

The Realest teams up with the WPBL for a series dedicated to women’s baseball

⚾

There’s nothing more American than baseball (cards), right? That’s the idea behind sports authentication platform The Realest’s new partnership with the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL). Together, they will launch and develop the first officially licensed trading card program for an active pro women’s baseball league in the U.S..

June 18, 2026

It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Qatar

⚽

CanMNT plays their second group stage game against Qatar today at 6 p.m. ET. Having already secured their first World Cup (WC) point, the Canadian men will be looking for their inaugural WC win on home soil, this time in Vancouver. What’s more, a dub would shake up the Group B standings.

June 18, 2026

Genius Sports shares new insights into women’s sports fans and sports culture

Sports Business

Genius Sports shares new insights into women’s sports fans and sports culture

June 18, 2026

Today, sports data leader Genius Sports (which acquired Sports Innovation Lab in 2025) published the fifth edition of The Fan Project, Sports Innovation Lab’s long-running report series that examines the economic value of women’s sports fandom. The latest release, “Turning Culture Into Commerce,” shows how the culture of women’s sports is shaped by athlete entrepreneurs.

Read Full Story

The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #566

Azzi Fudd chose Project B over Unrivaled — but why?

June 23, 2026

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

Azzi Fudd chose Project B over Unrivaled — but why?

Azzi Fudd is packing her passport, electing to join Project B, the new 5-on-5 offseason league that will make its grand debut in December. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz examine the current pro player landscape, now stuffed with options galore for women hoopers. One thing is clear: With an abundance of choices, this player empowerment era is here to stay.