It’s called serving

The GIST: It’s been two days since the LA Dodgers topped the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in a thrilling 11-inning Game 7, securing their second straight World Series pennant. And that means two things: Your blood pressure might finally be returning to normal, and it’s time to dissect what the Dodgers winning back-to-back titles means for baseball.

🔥 A World Series for the ages: From stunning mid-collision catches and clutch at-bats to World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching on zero days’ rest, Game 7 had it all — as did the entire series. Not only did it go the distance, but it also captivated a record-breaking global audience from start to finish.

• The Dodgers are the first repeat champs since the NY Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000. But this pennant didn’t come easy: The hard-hitting Jays pushed LA to the brink, with both clubs emptying the tank over seven games, two of which needed extra innings.

🧠 The broader impact on MLB: Many say LA’s title run all but guarantees a 2027 lockout, with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in December 2026. Why? With the highest payroll in baseball (even with two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s contract mostly deferred), the Dodgers just reminded everyone there’s still no salary cap in MLB, the only major sports league without one.

• For context, after the aforementioned well-resourced Yanks won three straight, the league implemented the all-important luxury tax the following offseason. Coincidence? We think not.

• All to say, expect owners to push for both a salary cap and a salary floor this offseason in an effort to close MLB’s massive spending gap, which accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Stay tuned.

The GIST: Turns out the Sunday scaries have nothing to do with Monday, and everything to do with the NFL’s weekly chaos. As if you needed another reminder that nothing is guaranteed in this league.

👏 Parity reigns supreme at the halfway point: And it’s giving football fans whiplash. Case in point? The NFC North. The division’s top two teams, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, suffered frustrating losses yesterday. In fact, the Lions fell to the NFC North’s last-placed team, the Minnesota Vikings, who were led by a resurgent performance from quarterback (QB) J.J. McCarthy.

• Then, there’s the showdown between Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. The game followed the script — the Bills earned the 28–21 W for Allen’s fifth regular-season dub against Mahomes — but neither powerhouse sits atop their division.

• Elsewhere, the Indianapolis Colts entered the week as the league’s best team but turned the ball over a whopping six times against the injury-riddled Pittsburgh Steelers en route to a stunning 27–20 loss. It really is the upside down.

☝️ The importance of tomorrow’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline: Traditionally, the deadline’s a bit snoozy (the most recent blockbuster deal was back in 2022) — but given this season’s parity, wheeling and dealing could make the difference between a postseason ticket and an early vacation.

• Someone like Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson would be a massive acquisition for a struggling defense, while NY Jets star running back Breece Hall is the perfect offensive addition for a contender. Watch this space.

⚽ The NWSL’s postseason is officially upon us…and so is The GIST's free-to-enter NWSL Playoff Bracket Challenge. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just here for some friendly competition, this challenge is for everyone — no expertise required.

🤔 Why you should play:

• Rooting for your favorite team takes on a whole new meaning.

• Be a part of The GIST’s one-of-a-kind community and compete against friends.

• There are some bragging rights (and prizes) on the line.

👏 Trust us, it’s even more fun to watch the postseason when you have some skin in the game…and when you’re enjoying the action with thousands of fellow GISTers. You have until Friday, November 7th at 12 p.m. ET — may the odds be ever in your favor.

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