Don't let the idiots grind you down
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Leveling The Playing Field
Happy Tuesday!
There are so many wonderful things happening in the world of women’s sports, but lately it feels like those storylines are being drowned out. So before we get down to business to defeat the Huns hatemongers, let’s take a moment and be thankful for the fact that we’re all here because we actually love this industry.
- Now, unclench that jaw, take a deep breath, and remember, it’s a great day to not be an attention-seeking, washed-up, obnoxious man-child.
WNBA
📝 A mildly-worded memo
The GIST: In the 30 years since the WNBA was founded, exactly zero transgender women have played in the league. And yet, the conversation surrounding trans athletes is reaching dangerous levels as the attempts to turn this tiny, vulnerable group of people into a supposed threat to women’s sports increase each day.
- This weekend, The Athletic obtained a copy of a mildly-worded memo from commissioner Cathy Engelbert laying out how WNBA leadership should approach the topic and her plans to discuss the matter further at a meeting with presidents and general managers this week. Feels underwhelming.
The background: The subject has gone from a barely-covered talking point to national controversy after Indiana Fever bench player Sophie Cunningham told ESPN in late July that a trans athlete ban would be “common sense” to protect young girls in sports. Then, a small number of WNBA fans organized an anti-trans rally before the Fever played the Seattle Storm on July 28th.
- The rally was a flop, but Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended five games after she confronted two teenaged Fever fans wearing t-shirts with anti-trans rhetoric.
- After receiving significant backlash and refusing to comment on her involvement, Cunningham slightly changed her tune saying there is a “safe space and love for everybody,” including trans people, but the damage was done.
The details: The current WNBA rulebook does not have an explicit policy regarding transgender participation. In the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in March 2026, it says only women are allowed to play, but doesn’t it define that in any legal or biological ways.
- Over the weekend, two former NBA players, one who is an aspiring political influencer and another who played nine (!!!) total minutes in his NBA career posted that they are declaring for the next WNBA Draft — a harmful publicity stunt attempting to turn the CBA’s eligibility language into a joke. Sigh.
Looking ahead: Now we all have to wait and see how Engelbert — who has been decidedly unpopular among players and often booed by fans — will respond. Still, she has the chance to address the controversy and show what the W really stands for in these upcoming meetings. Watch this space.
At The GIST, we believe trans women are women and that trans athletes have the right to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity. If you want to learn more, check out our 2023 interview with former NCAA athlete and trans activist, Schuyler Bailar.
⚽ FIFA looks to keep hydration breaks as pressure on Infantino mounts
This summer, FIFA added two breaks to all matches during the men’s World Cup, and they were unpopular with fans and coaches alike. But the breaks meant more ad inventory for FIFA — nearly $250M worth, according to the BBC — so it’s no surprise the org is seeking to implement them in future tournaments.
- Meanwhile, president Gianni Infantino remains under fire after his plan to sell FIFA’s major tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup, to private investors. Even though the plan was overwhelmingly rejected, several confederations called for his resignation this week.
🚲 Tour de France Femmes draws strong viewership despite coverage gaps
Just five years into its current format, the opening stage for the biggest event on the women’s cycling calendar drew 2.17M viewers on French TV channel France 2, just shy of the 2.7M the first stage of the men’s race garnered just over a month ago. The numbers are especially promising given the stark lack of options for viewing the full race. Allez!
🏀 Las Vegas Aces coach speaks out about WNBA scheduling strain
Longtime coach Becky Hammon replied forcefully to questions about why she rested her team’s three biggest stars during a blockbuster matchup with the NY Liberty on Sunday, the Aces’ second game against a top team in 24 hours. Hammon noted that such tight turnarounds are “not even legal on the NBA side.”
- As the league adds to new franchises, the schedule has expanded from 36 regular-season games in 2022 to 44 games this season and 50 next season, straining players and front offices.
👶 Gerber is the new baby and toddler food and snack partner of the NWSL, but this isn’t the league’s only deal centering nutrition for young families: It also partnered with infant formula brand Bobbie.
🏈 The NFL is partnering with American Football Australia to bring the sport, which is increasingly popular with girls, to Australian schools nationwide.
⚽ According to The Athletic, NWSL players are continuing to incur fines under the league’s footwear sponsorship policy, with the NWSLPA lodging numerous complaints on players’ behalf.
👏 Sports Business Journal released its annual 40 Under 40 list, and while it includes many women, there’s only one honoree who works in the front office of a women’s sports team: Golden State Valkyries senior VP for ticketing and events Maria Valdehueza.
⚽ The NWSL is set to exceed 10K fans per match for the fourth straight year, in part thanks to expansion team Denver Summit FC’s exceptionally high average attendance of 20.5K fans.
Today's email was brought to you by Rachel Fuenzalida, Lisa Minutillo, and Katie Foster. Fact checking by Bonnie Lee. Operations by Elisha Gunaratnam. Ads by Ali Haberstroh. Managing edits by Molly Potter and Katie Foster. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.