The GIST

What to know before No. 17 USMNT takes on No. 41 Paraguay

It’s been 2,921 days since the U.S., Canada, and Mexico secured their joint bid to host the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) and now, we’re mere hours away from the No. 17 USMNT kicking off against No. 41 Paraguay tonight at 9 p.m. ET. Here’s everything you need to know before the Stars and Stripes begin their campaign to make it out of Group D.

June 12, 2026

NBA’s NY Knicks and NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes one win away from championship titles

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The NBA’s NY Knicks (up 3-1) and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes (up 3-2) are on the cusp of sports immortality — both teams are one win away from hoisting their respective trophies. With a pair of potential title-clinching tilts on deck this weekend, the men’s playoffs are reaching their crescendo.

June 12, 2026

Caitlin Clark’s Xfinity partnership brings men’s sports fans into the WNBA fold

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Every women’s sports fan knows the struggle of not finding the game they want to watch on TV. That’s the driver behind Xfinity’s campaign to highlight its expanding WNBA coverage across platforms — and to underscore its message, the telecomms company brought in one of the faces of the league: former Iowa Hawkeye and current Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark.

June 11, 2026

An update on the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup

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Every game matters when it comes to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup with only the top team in each conference advancing to the June 30th final. And now that we’re officially halfway through group play, the true Cup contenders are beginning to emerge.

June 10, 2026

This is major: Chase and KPMG Women's PGA Championship are teaming up

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

This is major: Chase and KPMG Women's PGA Championship are teaming up

June 10, 2026

Azzi Fudd details why Cash App’s investment in her brand has long-term benefits

Dallas Wings star Azzi Fudd spoke with The GIST last week about her recent community court activation brought to life by Cash App. Last Tuesday, the payment app hosted a community basketball clinic and donated $35K to a local nonprofit that provides sports equipment and programming for young girls.

June 09, 2026

Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins first city-based season

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Missing softball following last week’s epic Women’s College World Series (WCWS)? You’re in luck. Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins its second season tomorrow, boasting more teams, more games, and more ways to watch than ever before. Going, going, gone.

June 08, 2026

More diverse soccer fanbase impacts men’s FIFA World Cup marketing strategies

Sports Business

More diverse soccer fanbase impacts men’s FIFA World Cup marketing strategies

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June 06, 2026

The men’s FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, and the U.S. is hosting the global soccer tournament (alongside Canada and Mexico) for the first time in 32 years. A lot has changed since then — for starters, the sport’s fanbase is more diverse than ever, especially in younger demographics. Let’s explore soccer’s changing audience and how this tourney is an unbeatable opportunity for brands to reach and engage diverse audiences.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #563

Hiding in the bathroom and watching soccer with Trinity Rodman

June 11, 2026

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Hiding in the bathroom and watching soccer with Trinity Rodman

You know what kind of soccer player Trinity Rodman is — but what kind of soccer fan is she? Find out on today’s episode of The GIST of It. Executive producer Alessandra Puccio sat down with the USWNT and Washington Spirit star to discuss the national team’s recent win in Brazil, Rodman’s World Cup watching plans, and her new summer of soccer partnership with State Farm. Jake better watch out.