The GIST

MLB invests in pro softball, Women’s College World Series opens with a bang

Yesterday was like Christmas for softball fans, starting with the news that MLB will make a strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) ahead of their debut season next week, followed by a high-octane opening day of the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). Let’s unpack all the latest.

May 30, 2025

What is Juneteenth?

Today’s Juneteenth — a U.S. holiday celebrating Black history and commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the States. But the landmark day only became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021, following a summer of protests against racial injustice in 2020.

June 19, 2025

Tubi secures rights to new Naomi Osaka project as streamers develop more women’s sports content

As interest in women’s sports grows, so does the enthusiasm for content surrounding the women’s game. After seeing Netflix benefit from cult faves Drive to Survive and Full Swing, documentaries that converted new fans to F1 and golf, fellow streamers are considering how to leverage storytelling to win over young, more casual sports fans.

June 18, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder closing in on championship after Game 5 win

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The Oklahoma City Thunder (up 3-2) are one win away from raising their first championship banner since 1979 (back when they were the Seattle SuperSonics). Let’s ball.

June 18, 2025

Indiana Fever will take on Minnesota Lynx in 2025 Commissioner’s Cup final

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Last night’s six-game slate was pure cinema, notably locking in the Commissioner’s Cup final before two teams go head-to-head for $500K on July 1st. Read on for who’s through, plus other buzzy headlines from around the WNBA.

June 18, 2025

Florida Panthers surge to 3-2 series lead in Stanley Cup Final

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The Florida Panthers (up 3-2) are just one victory away from clinching back-to-back Stanley Cups after Saturday’s 5–2 Game 5 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Before Game 6 begins in Florida tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET, here’s the standout storyline fueling each team, including why this best-of-seven series could still go the distance.

June 16, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers clash in pivotal Game 5

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The seven-game NBA Finals are level at two games apiece following the OKC Thunder’s 111–104 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Who will hoist the Larry OB? An excellent question ahead of tonight’s 8:30 p.m. ET Game 5 — and one of many we’re asking this Monday morning.

June 16, 2025

🎾 First is the worst, second is the best

Sports News

Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz rally to win French Open titles

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June 09, 2025

For the first time since 1984, the world No. 1 and No. 2 women’s and men’s tennis players reached the Roland-Garros final — and in both cases, the second-ranked athlete prevailed. Here’s how it all went down in Paris.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #469

Holy airball: Half-empty stadiums at the FIFA Club World Cup

June 19, 2025

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Holy airball: Half-empty stadiums at the FIFA Club World Cup

Wait, what’s happening right now?

It’s the FIFA Club World Cup. The first-of-its-kind tournament could have been a smashing success, especially in the lead up to next year’s World Cup hosted in North America — but with empty seats making headlines, it’s been anything but. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz explain what the tournament is before investigating why it’s a flub and what that might mean for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today.

A big thank you to our friends at the LPGA for sponsoring today’s episode. In case you didn’t know, the LPGA is the longest-running women’s professional sports organization in the world, and they’re celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. To learn more about how the LPGA is growing the women’s game, check out the link in the show notes.