The GIST

It turns out all the rumors are true. After much deliberation, the WTA Finals will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2024 to 2026. Despite human rights concerns from women’s tennis athletes and journalists, the WTA ultimately followed the money.

April 05, 2024

Saudi Arabia reportedly makes push to merge ATP, WTA with proposed PIF Tour

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According to The Telegraph, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) wants to merge the WTA and ATP tennis tours with a limited-time, $2B offer that expires in 90 days. The rebranded PIF Tour would reportedly replace the proposed Premium Tour, a joint WTA–ATP circuit that’s been in development since January.

March 15, 2024

A proposed WTA-ATP merger is picking up steam

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The women’s tour is particularly receptive to the concept, which would produce a new “Premium Tour” to exist alongside the Grand Slams — and offer women athletes equal pay.

January 31, 2024

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pursues right to the Billie Jean King Cup

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This adds to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing interest in women’s tennis tournaments like the 2023 and 2024 WTA Finals.

January 17, 2024

Fitness company Kyanee signs tennis star Ons Jabeur as its global brand ambassador

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After several major plays to host international tennis events, including the WTA Finals, Saudi Arabia had a quiet December for women’s sports moves.

January 12, 2024

The WTA is looking to grow by installing new leadership at WTA Ventures

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The WTA has faced recent criticism for not supporting its athletes, culminating in a turbulent WTA Finals in Cancun earlier this month.

November 29, 2023

Parity Week kicks off at the Billie Jean King Cup

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For the second consecutive year, the earnings from the World Cup of women’s tennis are on par with the Davis Cup, the men’s equivalent.

November 08, 2023

Sports Business

Saudi Arabia is in talks to host pro tennis tournaments

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November 06, 2023

Saudi Arabia is following up its World Cup win with another tournament play — this time, beginning talks with IMG to take over the Miami Open or Mutua Madrid Open.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #359

NHL playoff preview & the latest on Jontay Porter

April 18, 2024

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NHL playoff preview & the latest on Jontay Porter

Howdy!

It’s Christmas in April for co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz, with the NHL Playoff picture all but set ahead of Saturday’s postseason puck drop. Today’s episode includes a deep dive on all things playoff hockey, from why the Stanley Cup is arguably the hardest trophy to win in sports to the gals’ picks to win it all.

Then after the break, El and Steph shift gears to cover an unfortunate NBA story: Now former Toronto Raptor Jontay Porter has been banned from the NBA for life after making illegal sports bets on league games and disclosing confidential health information to a bettor in order for them to profit off a parlay. And it’s just the latest instance of pro sports entangling with sports gambling.

A huge thanks to our pals at Aflac for supporting today’s pod! Just like The GIST tackles the gap in women’s sports coverage, Aflac closes the gap that health insurance leaves behind. Learn more at aflac.com.