The WNBA seems to be everywhere these days, but not in a great way. A lot of the oxygen around the league is being taken up by off-court issues, particularly regarding trans women and trans athletes. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their thoughts on it all, detailing the anti-trans comments that sparked this nationwide debate, the Players Association’s response, commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leaked internal memo. 

Show notes:
Sophie Cunningham Jacy Sheldon foul

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There’s been some major drama going down at FIFA headquarters. Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell stakes in future World Cups to private equity firms — an announcement that was met with immediate backlash. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Alessandra Puccio explain why Infantino’s failed plan caused such a stir and detail the potential fallout from his latest bungle. 

Show notes:

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The GIST’s resident baseball expert Lauren Tuiskula joins co-host Steph Rotz on today’s episode of The GIST of It — and she’s got answers to Steph’s, ahem, hard-hitting questions about a certain MLB blockbuster trade. Tune in to hear Tuiskula break it all down, from the on-field implications of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal heading to the LA Dodgers to the potential lockout that’s looming. Let’s play ball.

Show notes:
Learn more about BMO’s commitment to the beautiful game
Tipping Pitches podcast
MLB payrolls article

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NFL training camps began this week, reigniting America’s great love affair with football. There are some spicy storylines already emerging out of camp, including an update from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his impending retirement. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz have all the deets. Hut hut. 

Show notes:
Episode #489: A new league of their own: Introducing the Women’s Pro Baseball League
The Best Way for the WNBA to Solve Its Sophie Cunningham Problem Was to Ignore It

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We have to talk about the man on everyone’s mind: King James. LeBron James shocked the basketball world last Friday when he announced he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, likely the last NBA team he’ll ever play for. People have opinions — including co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz. So on today’s episode, the gals discuss the good and bad of King James taking his talents to Philly. Tune in. 

Show notes:
Check out She Did That!? Amazing Female Athletes from A to Z

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Ready to get your game on and go play? So are the WNBA’s best. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in on All-Star Weekend, breaking down the on-court action and putting their crystal balls to the test. And because it’s the WNBA — the spiciest league in sports — there’s some tea to spill, too. Let’s hoop to it.

Show notes:

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And just like that the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup has come to an end. Five weeks and 104 games later, Spain are the world champions after defeating defending champ Argentina 1–0 in extra time on Sunday. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz relive the tournament’s top moments, from the World Cup–winning goal to a certain jersey-clad duck. Vamos.

Show notes:

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39 days and 102 games later, it’s nearly time for the FIFA men’s World Cup final. Spain takes on Argentina this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, so today co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz preview the championship match, from the stars they think will shine to their final predictions to win it all.

Show notes:

• Watch soccer’s big game with The GIST in NYC or Boston on Sunday, 7/19
• Visit bmosoccer.com 

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We’re living our WNBA fangirl dreams. Executive producer Alessandra Puccio sat down with Prime Video’s WNBA sideline reporter Kayla Grey to talk all things W. Grey’s been on site for some of the league’s biggest and brightest moments this season — she and Puccio discuss the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend, which team isn’t getting enough attention right now, and Grey’s recommendations for one squad in particular: Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. 

Show notes:
Watch the WNBA on Prime Video
Learn more about Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities 

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The summer of soccer rages on, and the World Cup is about to gift us a slate of spectacular quarterfinal matches. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down all four tilts: They highlight the players to watch, each team’s path to the final eight, and sprinkle in their hottest takes…as is tradition. Clear your cal — this weekend’s footy is must-watch TV.

Show notes:
Check out Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

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