Sports Business | The GIST

NFL, Hallmark partnership illustrates potential scripted media opportunity in women’s sports

This holiday season, the Buffalo Bills aren’t just playing NFL games — they’re the latest team featured in a holiday-themed Hallmark movie thanks to the channel’s NFL partnership.

December 23, 2025

Wasserman publishes latest report on private equity, asset appreciation in women’s sports

On Monday, Wasserman’s The Collective published the third part of its extensive research on the economy of women’s sports and the influence of women fans. In this edition, The Collective focused on the growth of the women’s sports ecosystem, studying macrotrends exemplified by increased private equity (PE) investment and infrastructure investment.

December 23, 2025

Division races heat up ahead of Week 16 action

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Just like their college counterparts, the stakes are sky-high on the pro gridiron. With only three weeks left in the regular season, the NFL’s playoff picture is beginning to take shape — and three divisions are looking extra spicy in Week 16. Pour a glass of egg nog and let’s discuss.

December 19, 2025

U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt explains the governing body’s winning marketing strategy

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Powered by the success of big-name athletes like Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Chloe Kim, the org is ready to capitalize on the Olympic spotlight and unlock snow sports’ full marketing potential.

December 19, 2025

LOVB announces San Francisco franchise with ownership group led by Rebel Girls CEO Jes Wolfe

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oday, LOVB announced the launch of a new franchise in San Francisco set to hit the court in January 2027. Rebel Girls CEO Jes Wolfe — a prominent LOVB media partner — co-led the ownership group with growth strategist Chantell Preston as they assembled a team of all-women investors, including Olympian and LOVB founding athlete Kelsey Robinson Cook.

December 18, 2025

Grand Slam Track announces bankruptcy as Athlos, others illustrate what emerging sports leagues need for success

After months of financial difficulties, track & field league Grand Slam Track (GST) — spearheaded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson — officially filed for bankruptcy last week. As popular Olympic sports try to extend their reach beyond the global competition, GST presents a cautionary tale as it endured common issues faced by upstart sports leagues.

December 16, 2025

Partners of pro athletes offer organic, engaging marketing opportunities for brands and untapped potential in women’s sports

WAGs are where it's at

December 12, 2025

Paige Bueckers makes waves with snack product launches as women athletes win over Gen Z consumers

Sports Business

Paige Bueckers makes waves with snack product launches as women athletes win over Gen Z consumers

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December 11, 2025

Last week, Good Eat’n — a plant-based snack brand launched by NBA legend Chris Paul — announced that WNBA phenom Paige Bueckers joined the company as an equity partner and will launch her own new snack called Ragerz.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #518

It’s time for a College Football Playoff primer

December 18, 2025

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify

It’s time for a College Football Playoff primer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

And not just because of the holidays. Between the final few weeks of a thrilling NFL season and the College Football Playoff, there’s no shortage of gridiron action to take in. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are tossing the perfect spiral: a College Football Playoff special, breaking down the 12-team field and this weekend’s spiciest showdowns. Hut, hut, here we go.