The GIST - The grass isn’t always greener
From The Gist Team |
Happy officially summer!
And happy USWNT roster-drop day. With just 29 days (!!!) until the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off, today’s newsletter naturally features some women’s soccer news, plus a look to the future in the NBA and LPGA. Teein’ it up…
Share
Quote of the Day |
Nobody thought I’d be able to do any of these things…Everybody painted this picture about me and it’s kind of like, what are you all gonna say now? |
|
— Tennis star Frances Tiafoe, sharing his joy after becoming the third Black American man to be ranked in the ATP top 10 following his Stuttgart Open win on Sunday. Love to see it. |
The Latest |
🏀 Hoopin’ and hollerin’
The GIST: Just over a week after the Denver Nuggets earned their first-ever title, the NBA is already looking ahead, with the 2023 NBA Draft set for tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET. And with a prospect drawing comparisons to LeBron James expected to go No. 1, the future’s real bright.
How it works: The NBA Draft consists of two rounds, with 30 picks in the first and 28 in the second after two teams lost picks for violating free agency policies. The coveted top four picks were allocated back in May via the Draft Lottery, which featured the 14 squads that missed out on the playoffs this year.
- The San Antonio Spurs nabbed the first overall pick and will be followed by selections from the Charlotte Hornets, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets, and the Detroit Pistons. Check here for the full order and to see when your team’s up.
Players to know: That aforementioned elite prospect, Victor Wembanyama, a 7'4" French prodigy with an out-of-this-world reputation on offense and defense. Shot blocker? Check. Dunk monster? Check. And he has range? TL;DR: Wemby’s the type of player who could change an entire franchise.
- The potential No. 2 picks deserve plenty of hype, too. Scoot Henderson, a standout from the NBA’s G League Ignite, is a dominant athlete and commanding leader on the court.
- Then there’s Brandon Miller, an All-American from Alabama whose ascent has been marred with off-court controversy. Either one could hear their name after Wembanyama.
⛳ This is major
The GIST: The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship — the second of five LPGA majors — tees off tomorrow from Springfield, NJ, with 19 of the top 20 players in the world, plus one wunderkind rookie, and a $9M purse on the line. Say less.
Rose Zhang: It’s her world and we’re just living in it. The aforementioned breakout star soared onto the scene earlier this month, becoming the first player in 72 years to win in her LPGA pro debut, hoisting the trophy at the Mizuho Americas Open.
- And the Zhang Effect will certainly be in full force once again, with the 20-year-old paired in a marquee group featuring world No. 5 Minjee Lee of Australia and fellow American, world No. 9 Lexi Thompson. Is there more history on the horizon?
More players to watch: Plenty of other golfers deserve their flowers, too. Still in search of her first-ever major win, Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand has all the momentum to finally break through — the world No. 6 has the most top-10 finishes on the tour this year.
- This weekend also marks the triumphant return of world No. 2 Nelly Korda, who’s been out since May due to injury. A victory at the Women’s PGA Championship, where she won her first and only major back in 2021, would be the perfect welcome back present.
🏀 Hawkeyes + Hokies = Hell yes
ICYMI: Women’s college hoops season is coming in just like it went out last spring — with a massive bang.
Ally recently announced their title sponsorship of the Ally Tipoff, a November 9th neutral-site smackdown between two of last season’s Final Four teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Hype doesn’t even begin to cover it.
With initiatives like their 50/50 Media Pledge, Ally’s ensuring women’s sports receive the media attention they earned — and a head-to-head matchup between two 2023 Player of the Year finalists is a sensational way to draw eyes to next season’s start. Is it November yet?
Quick Hits |
⚽ US Soccer updates
While the USMNT defended their CONCACAF Nations League title on Sunday, the focus was on USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who announced on Friday that she will not play in this year’s Women’s World Cup as she recovers from a lingering foot injury. Say it ain’t so.
🏀 NBA offseason trades
The rumor mill is just heating up, but we might already have a winner for the blockbuster move of the offseason. All-Star guard Bradley Beal is leaving the Washington Wizards for the Phoenix Suns, creating a new Big Three in Arizona, featuring Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker.
- On the way out? Former Suns star Chris Paul, who’s currently a Wizard, but likely not for long.
👀 Emily Inquiry in Paris
French investigators searched the Paris Olympic headquarters yesterday as part of a corruption investigation related to their 2017 bid to host the Games. The inquiry is focused on potential embezzlement of public funds and favoritism and marks the third straight time such allegations have plagued the Summer Games. Don’t need Google translate to know that’s très mal.
🏀 The WNBA reaches chartered territory
In the wake of increased scrutiny over the league’s travel troubles, the WNBA will now allow teams to use public charter service, JSX, meaning squads can travel through private terminals, increasing professionalism and athlete safety.
- That said, while Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury have reached a safe solution, most W cities don’t have access to a JSX terminal, and teams will not be able to modify travel times to best fit their schedules. The turbulence persists.
Mid-week Watching |
🏅 Special Olympics World Games — Today through Sunday — ESPN+/ESPN3
- It’s raining medals in Berlin as the top star spangled athletes compete in a whole host of summer sports.
🎓⚾ Men’s College World Series: Semifinals — Today at 2 and 7 p.m. ET — ESPN
- Say Jell-O to the greatest game on dirt. First up, No. 2 Florida faces TCU, followed by No. 1 Wake Forest vs. No. 5 LSU in the nightcap.
🏀 WNBA: Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury — Today at 3:30 p.m. ET — WNBA League Pass
- Beat the midday crash with some hoops. In a tale of two extremes, the league-leading Aces take on the injury-plagued Mercury.
The GIST's Picks |
Here’s what has GIST HQ buzzing.
🛍️ What to shop
Muttonhead. They released a new CAMP series perfect for all your summer excursions. Plus, 10% of sales go to the Happy Camper Fund, which helps make summer camp accessible to kids who might not be able to afford it.
📺 What to binge
Tour de France: Unchained. The new Netflix series follows several cycling teams competing in the world’s most grueling bike race.
🤳 Who to follow
@MegEmikoArt. A trans activist and artist, they teamed up with The GIST to create a “Protect Trans Athletes” line with 50% of profits donated to the GenderCool Project. Shop here.
🤓 How to rev up your job search
Use The GIST’s job board, of course. Featuring positions with leagues, teams, tech and media companies, there’s truly something for every skill set.
Share The Gist |
We know (okay hope) you love The GIST and want to share it with all of the people in your life. And, we want to reward you for it. Here's how to share:
Step 1 |
Check out the sweet GIST rewards here |
Step 2 |
Click the "Share The GIST" button below (or use your unique referral link below) to share |
Step 3 |
Share The GIST with people like your friends, co-workers and family |
Step 4 |
Join the community, get hooked up with swag, and repeat |
Share
Unique Referral Link: https://thegistsports.com/subscribe-daily-sports?referralCode=2iOT19L&refSource=copy
Older messages
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
Friday, June 2, 2023
If you ain't got no giddy up, giddy out the way
Special Edition: Hoop, it’s here
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Everything you need to know about the NBA Finals
Special Edition: Nothin’ soft about it
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Everything you need to know about the WCWS
Our favorite’s gouda
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Say cheese...
Have a minute?
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
We'd love to get to know you!
You Might Also Like
Holiday Giving Update ❄️
Friday, December 20, 2024
The Sportsletter Team Needs Your Help to Stay on the Field in 2025...
The Holiday Sports Primer 🎅
Friday, December 20, 2024
The Holiday Sports Wish-List: A Sneak Peek at the Next 3 Weeks in Sports...
The Matchday Preview
Friday, December 20, 2024
The final Bundesliga matchday before the winter break is here. A crucial relegation 6-pointer in Bochum, Bayern & Leipzig battle it out at the top of the table, & so much more! ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
The Sportsletter: Urgent Update 🚨
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Team Needs Your Help to Stay on the Field in 2025...
Pop-Tarts & Power Rankings
Thursday, December 19, 2024
CFB Bowl Season Naming Rights Comedy. NBA & NHL Standings Check. Highlights & More...
Podcast app setup
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Open this on your phone and click the button below: Add to podcast app
Chapel Hill Bill & Red-Hot NBA Drama
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Bill Belichick Joins UNC. NBA Cup Drama Goes Viral. MLB Winter Meetings, UCL, NHL & More...
The NBA Cup is filled with JUICE
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Two more compelling games with recently bad teams moving on to the semifinals. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Don’t Wait ‘Til The Clock Runs Out
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Sportsletter's Holiday Gift Guide DEC
💰 Team Values & Friday Highlights
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Forbes Top-50 Sports List. TNF Kick Game. Hero Hidalgo. CFB Awards. LeBron/Bronny & More...