The GIST

WNFC inks multiyear deal with ESPN for title game as broadcast exposure and sponsorship level up the league

The Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) announced a multiyear agreement with ESPN yesterday to broadcast its June 21st championship game live on ESPN2. The league has seen recent growth, mostly thanks to increased media exposure and sponsorship, so we chatted with WNFC advisory board member, commentator, and former player Jennifer King to learn more.

June 02, 2026

Stanley Cup Final primer: Carolina Hurricanes

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Six goals from six different Canes helped Carolina clinch the Eastern Conference crown in Friday’s 6–1 Game 5 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Now proud owners of the Prince of Wales trophy — but of course never touching it — the Canes are hoping to leave their prints all over some different hardware, the Stanley Cup.

June 01, 2026

Stanley Cup Final primer: Vegas Golden Knights

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The Vegas Golden Knights are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in just nine years of existence. And while folks often love to root for an underdog, this squad isn’t getting that same love for good reason. Let’s discuss their quest to hoist Lord Stanley for a second time.

June 01, 2026

CarMax holds the keys to success in WNBA marketing

The WNBA is busy celebrating its 30-year anniversary, and a bevy of brands are showing up for the party. Newcomers from all categories are hopping on the Legacy Trail, with WNBA business growth AVP Keri Lenker telling us in April she’d love to continue bringing “new brands into the fold.” Last week, we caught up with CarMax CMO Sarah Lane on why the brand’s WNBA partnership is so valuable, from the benefit of athlete ambassadors to the “squishy” data that indicates W fans notice and appreciate CarMax for being there.

May 30, 2026

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner falls in second round of French Open, ending bid for career Grand Slam

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French Open emotions, drama, and temperatures have reached new heights as the European heatwave rages on. The women’s bracket has mostly kept it cool and played out as expected, but the men’s field is suddenly wide open.

May 29, 2026

Raj Sports EVP Karina LeBlanc shares key details on second annual Epicenter Week

Today, Raj Sports is announcing exclusively through The GIST that it’s bringing back Epicenter Week, a five-day summer celebration in Portland promoting its NWSL and WNBA franchises. But Epicenter Week is much more than that — and it’s bigger and better this year thanks to prominent sponsor and nearby neighbor Nike.

May 28, 2026

Reigning champ Coco Gauff advances to second round of French Open

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Between the protests, the heat wave, and Naomi Osaka’s couture, there’s almost too much to keep up with at the French Open as the second round gets underway. Good thing we have you covered — allez.

May 27, 2026

MLB’s strategy to attract women? Go with the (Aunt) Flow

Sports Business

MLB’s strategy to attract women? Go with the (Aunt) Flow

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May 23, 2026

ICYMI, The GIST launched our official MLB partnership this week with a striking data point: It’s the most-attended sports league by women fans. Women are feeling increasingly welcomed by America’s pastime — partially because stadiums across MLB are more inclusive than ever, thanks to additional accommodations and partnerships with companies like Aunt Flow. This week, we spoke with Aunt Flow founder and CEO Claire Coder about the company’s partnership with MLB teams and how the league is considering women fans and their families with improved infrastructure, including access to free period care. About damn time.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #558

Spilling World Cup tea and talking tequila with Tobin Heath & Christen Press

May 21, 2026

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Spilling World Cup tea and talking tequila with Tobin Heath & Christen Press

The men’s FIFA World Cup is just three weeks away — which means it’s time to start studying up on the tournament’s biggest edition ever. Good thing USWNT legends Tobin Heath and Christen Press are today’s guests on The GIST of It, spilling the tea on their World Cup plans, the teams they’re most excited to cheer on, and their World Cup partnership with Don Julio 1942. Cheers to that.