Sports Business | The GIST

New app plans to exclusively cater to women’s sports as sector sees growth

Last week, Rival — set to be the first sportsbook built exclusively for women’s sports — shared its plans to be active in three U.S. betting markets by 2026. The platform will include bets across the NWSL, WNBA, NCAA women’s basketball, WSL, WTA, and more, differing from the existing platforms that center men’s sports.

November 25, 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

PWHL doubles down on Takeover Tour strategy as sponsors finally seize the opportunity

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Last week, the PWHL announced the return of the Takeover Tour — which brings PWHL games to other markets — for a third season. And the next edition is bigger and better: The league will host 16 neutral-site games and visit seven new cities while returning to multiple stops from last year.

November 20, 2025

Disney+ will show NBA games in the Philippines as the streamer leverages unique access to global sports markets

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This week, the NBA announced a new Disney+ deal that puts games on the platform in the Philippines. When Disney+ acquired exclusive European UEFA streaming rights in June, we predicted the possibility of Disney leveraging its global streaming access to start building a stable of sports media rights.

November 20, 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

New Parity data illustrates the power of Gen Z spending in women’s sports

Yesterday, Parity shared data from a survey of 2.4K U.S. Gen Z adults that ascertained their perspectives and purchasing behaviors. Compounding on previous data reflecting positive Gen Z attitudes toward women’s sports, this new report clarifies how Zoomers feel about women’s sports, women athletes, and sponsors in the space.

November 14, 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

WNBA legend Candace Parker becomes first woman co-chair of Pro Athlete Community

Sports Business

WNBA legend Candace Parker becomes first woman co-chair of Pro Athlete Community

November 10, 2025

Today, The GIST is exclusively sharing that Pro Athlete Community (PAC) — an organization that supports retired athletes in their post-playing careers — has named WNBA legend Candace Parker as a co-chair on its board of advisors. This is a pivotal move for the org as it recruits more women into its community of over 1.6K retired pro athletes, many of whom are men.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #511

Pazzi in Dallas? Our WNBA draft lottery reaction

November 25, 2025

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Pazzi in Dallas? Our WNBA draft lottery reaction

The future of the WNBA?

It’s coming fast and furious. On Sunday, the Dallas Wings won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft for the second straight year. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz trade predictions on who they think is heading to Dallas, before taking a look at the larger WNBA landscape, from the NY Liberty’s new head coach to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

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.

A big shoutout to LPGA for sponsoring The GIST of It. Check out the LPGA’s 2026 schedule, lock in your plans, and get ready to cheer on a sport that’s been lifting up women athletes for 76 years.