Soccer

Michele Kang establishes research institute within U.S. Soccer dedicated to researching women athletes

On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer announced the creation of the Kang Women’s Institute, a research platform within the organization funded by the aforementioned Kang’s generous $55M in total commitments to support women’s soccer. The platform aims to close the gaps in scientific research around women athletes in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031.

December 04, 2025

U.S. Soccer submits bid book as U.S. preps for travel tourism boost through upcoming tournaments

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In its joint bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), U.S. Soccer — which plans to host alongside Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica — submitted its bid book for the tournament, with the overwhelming majority of proposed venues spanning U.S. cities.

December 02, 2025

Paramount+ looks to cross-promote soccer and original programming through Arsenal marketing partnership

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Last week, English soccer club Arsenal announced a new global marketing partnership with Paramount+, the U.S.–based streaming platform that currently reaches 28 countries. Through the partnership, Arsenal players will team up with acting talent to promote Paramount+ content, including popular shows like Landman and MobLand.

December 02, 2025

Gotham FC locks in loyal attendance with innovative, fan-forward legacy membership program

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What does Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album have to do with Gotham FC?

November 21, 2025

Trinity Rodman’s potential NWSL departure signals athlete-centric marketing approach for brands

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There’s a storm brewing in the NWSL as Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman’s contract comes to an end in six weeks. While the Spirit are on their way to the NWSL Championship, Rodman is considering what comes next — and she could be the latest NWSL star to defect to Europe for greener pastures.

November 18, 2025

Despite attendance dip, NWSL exhibits overall growth driven by young women fans

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There’s been a dip in YoY NWSL attendance, but that stat doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. Last week, the league shared insightful data on attendance, viewership, and social media records that women’s soccer fans smashed this year, all of which point to who’s winning the most with NWSL growth: Young women fans.

November 14, 2025

Dove amplifies winning marketing message through continued women’s sports campaigns

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Last week, Dove rolled out its latest women’s sports campaign, “#ChangeTheCompliment,” by activating with NSL team AFC Toronto for its October 19th playoff game. The brand, which has spent years building women’s confidence with diverse representations of beauty, is seizing open opportunities in women’s sports — and for good reason.

October 31, 2025

K-pop activation at MLS playoff game signals prime opportunity for women’s sports to play into K-pop fandom

Sports Business

K-pop activation at MLS playoff game signals prime opportunity for women’s sports to play into K-pop fandom

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October 29, 2025

Korean entertainment company HYBE (which cultivated K-pop sensations BTS and Katseye) is getting into sports, sponsoring MLS club LAFC’s first playoff game later today at BMO Stadium. Inspired by Korean player Son Heung-Min’s impact on the team, HYBE is celebrating Korean culture with popular eats from Koreatown staple Love Hour and a lightshow set to K-pop hits.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #514

Max Verstappen’s villain to hero arc should be studied

December 04, 2025

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Max Verstappen’s villain to hero arc should be studied

Vroom, vroom.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming down to the wire: After an uncharacteristically slow start, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has stormed back and is threatening to derail McLaren’s World Drivers’ Championship dreams. Is Verstappen’s stunning season the best comeback in F1 history — and would a fifth straight title make him the racing world’s GOAT? Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz debate on today’s episode of The GIST of It.

Thanks to Fan Duel for supporting today’s podcast. From the rink to the court to the pitch, FanDuel is the home for women’s sports betting in Ontario. Download the FanDuel app or click here to get started.