You’d make the perfect traitor
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)

Gather ’round, faithful readers…
Rumor has it Traitors Season 4 may welcome iconic NFL mom Donna Kelce and figure skating legend Johnny Weir to the candlelit turret. The reality TV show and sports crossover we didn’t know we needed — but there’s even more drama in today’s sports headlines.


— A first-of-its-kind joint statement from the WNBPA and NWSLPA (the leagues’ player associations) preaching support for families impacted by immigration raids in the U.S. Advocating for compassion is always the right call.
Stanley Cup Final
🏒 What a crash, what a rush

The GIST: If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Florida (!!!) is one hell of a drug, and last night’s Game 4 in the Sunshine State was no exception. With a final this spicy, the only place to beat the heat is on the ice.
🔥 Edmonton Oilers stage historic comeback to level series at two apiece: They had us in the first half, but the Oil are resilient, rallying from both a three-goal deficit and a third-period game-tying goal to secure a dramatic 5–4 overtime (OT) win over the Florida Panthers. Nine different Oilers hit the scoresheet, but no point was bigger than forward Leon Draisaitl’s game-winner.
- It’s no secret that Draisaitl has a knack for finding the back of the net in the biggest moments: He’s just the third player in NHL history to tally two OT goals in a Stanley Cup Final.
❓ But there’s one lingering question ahead of tomorrow’s 8 p.m. ET Game 5: Who will the Oilers start in net? Goaltender Stuart Skinner was pulled after letting in those three first-period goals, giving backup Calvin Pickard an opportunity to show his stuff — and Pickard made a case for himself, stopping 22 shots in the win.
- Skinner’s notoriously better at home in the postseason, letting in just 2.07 goals on average compared to 3.88 on the road. But after two tough games in Florida, is his confidence shaken? Truth and time tell all.
NBA Finals
🏀 Once upon a time

The GIST: No, it’s not A Cinderella Story; it’s the Indiana Pacers — complete with their fairy godmother good luck charm, Caitlin Clark. Not only is Indy undefeated in the playoffs when the WNBA star’s in attendance, but they’re also only two wins away from their first-ever NBA title.
👟 Pacers flip the script on Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3: The championship series has been a fast-paced affair, so it came as no surprise that both teams leaned on their benches on Monday: 21 total players hit the hardwood in the first half alone. Unexpectedly, this benefitted the Pacers (up 2-1), whose bench dominated OKC’s 49–18 in the 116–107 win.
- OKC’s depth and ball control have been their calling card all season, but Indy forced the Thunder into an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers, erasing a nine-point second-half deficit behind a career-high 27 points from Canadian Bennedict Mathurin.
✨ Why you need to tune in for tonight’s 8:30 p.m. ET Game 4: This has been one of the most entertaining Finals in recent memory, despite the championship series featuring two “small market” teams. And no one thought the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 seed would be up 2-1 after a miraculous Game 1 comeback and thorough shellacking in Game 2.
- But the viewership numbers don’t reflect the thrilling on-court action. In fact, the average viewership in the first three games is down 23% compared to last year. That’s a lot of FOMO if the series’ current trajectory continues.

⛳ PGA: U.S. Open — Today through Sunday — Golf Channel
- World No. 25 J.J. Spaun leads the field after a bogey-free first round at Oakmont Country Club, leaving top dogs like No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Rory McIlroy in the dust at the toughest major on the men’s calendar. With deep roughs like these, expect the unexpected.
🏀 WNBA: Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — ION
- Fresh off her career-high, 35-point return, rookie Paige Bueckers (pronounced BECK-ers) and Co. are heading to Sin City, taking on the recently vulnerable Aces, who may be without three-time MVP A’ja Wilson after she suffered a head injury on Wednesday.
🏀 WNBA: NY Liberty vs. Indiana Fever — Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET — ABC
- All eyes are on the Fever’s injury report, as Caitlin Clark (quad) could return from a five-game absence after practicing with the team this week. Indiana — who lost three of five contests sans Clark — needs all the help they can get against the undefeated Libs (9-0), who are off to their best start in franchise history.
🏎️ F1: Canadian Grand Prix — Sunday at 2 p.m. ET — ESPN
Enjoy a full night’s sleep, racing enthusiasts, because F1 (and F1 Academy) are back in North America. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen might as well be an honorary Canuck after winning the last three races in Montréal, but the fierce McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are poised to end his dominance.
Together With State Farm

Greatness isn’t always flashy. Sure, jaw-dropping assists make the highlight reel, but real greatness comes from consistency: the steady, reliable plays that keep things moving forward.
🏡 That’s where State Farm comes in. They’re not dishing out behind-the-back passes like the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, but State Farm’s ready to lend a hand…just like a good neighbor.
💖 And while Clark sets the pace on the court, State Farm’s busy dropping dimes off of it, backing women’s hoops — and you, in the critical moments when you need it most.
Recs from our roster!
👀 What to know
Eight women college athletes filed an appeal of the NCAA’s landmark settlement on Wednesday, arguing that the new payment structure violates Title IX. This story? To be continued. In the meantime, learn more on Tuesday’s episode of The GIST of It.
🧢 What to wear
This hat honoring W history. Lids and Made for the W’s new collection reps the league’s roots, including a debut cap for the Golden State Valkyries.
🏉 What to watch
This ad. Adidas just launched its first rugby boot designed for women. More structure, more style, and more support — yes, please.
🏳️⚧️ Who to root for
Goal Diggers FC. After England’s FA banned trans women from the pitch, this London club said “nope” and launched its own inclusive tournament.
Today’s email was brought to you by Alessandra Puccio, Lisa Minutillo, Rachel Fuenzalida, Grace DePaull, Monica Shrock, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Katie Kehoe Foster. Fact-checking by Bonnie Lee and Mikaela Perez. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alessandra Puccio, and Lisa Minutillo. Managing edits by Ellen Hyslop and Alessandra Puccio. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.