The GIST: Following two more higher-seed sweeps on Wednesday, the semis are set, but unfortunately, outstanding play and one legend’s possible swan song were eclipsed by serious off-court issues.

The context: Amid a season full of record WNBA attendance and viewership, there’s also been an increased amount of derogatory comments made about players’ race, gender identity, sexuality, and beyond.

• And a portion of this escalation comes from some problematic Indiana Fever fans. For some background, in June, Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark condemned the weaponization of her name for misogynist and racist causes.
• Later in the summer, the fanbase was under fire again after threatening Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington following a tense interaction between the reigning Most Improved Player and Clark.

The latest: This week, as the No. 3 Sun swept the No. 6 Fever out of the playoffs, the discourse reached a tipping point. Before Wednesday’s Game 2, Carrington revealed she’d been sent death threats after another physical moment with Clark in Game 1.

• Following the Sun’s 87–81 Game 2 series-clinching win, Connecticut superstar Alyssa Thomas spoke to the media, explaining that over her 11-year career, she has never faced racial insults like the ones hurled at her by Fever fans this season. Despicable.

The WNBA’s response: After Thomas’ remarks, the WNBA released a statement, affirming that “derogatory or threatening comments” toward players will not be tolerated. Still, with more eyes on the league than ever, the time to address the negativity affecting players is past due.

The GIST: In the midst of the above, the game plays on — the WNBA’s semifinals tip off on Sunday, meaning it’s time to level up from three-game sets to five-game series. More hoops, more drama.

No. 1 NY Liberty vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces at 3 p.m. ET: It’s the superteam showdown we’ve been waiting for, but one round too early. Still, this 2023 Finals rematch — led by the Aces’ U’nanimous M’VP A’ja Wilson and the Liberty’s two-time Finals MVP Breanna Stewart — is what hoop dreams are made of.

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun at 8:30 p.m. ET: Though it lacks the history of the first series, don’t let that fool you. Both teams can score in bunches: the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier is the postseason’s leading scorer, while the Sun’s Alyssa Thomas and fiancée DeWanna Bonner continue to drop buckets.

• Plus, with two of the league’s most fearsome defenses going head-to-head, it’s giving spicy on the Scoville scale.

Need epic date plans? First, download Bumble then ask your match to watch one of the many WNBA Playoffs, presented by Google this weekend — there’s no better way to see if your crush is as into women’s sports as you are.

• According to a recent Bumble survey, 31% of single Americans think a shared love of watching or playing sports is essential to dating. And with Bumble’s unique features (like their profile Sports Interest Badges) you’ll immediately know if your connection’s fandom is pure.
• Ready for a dating app where kindness is key? Where women come first? And where being yourself is celebrated? Download Bumble and get ready for your own love and basketball story.

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• Best of all, Vessi’s offering 20% off your order with promo code 02-VIP-THEGIST-0350. Start warming up for your touchdown dance now.

⛳ Presidents Cup: Team USA vs. Team International — Ongoing through Sunday — Golf Channel

• The Americans came out swinging in yesterday’s four-ball matches, sweeping the International team to take a 5-0 lead after one day of play. They’ll be aiming to pad their lead and silence the Montreal crowd when the foursome play continues today. Putter up.

⚽ NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC — Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET — CBS

• All eyes will be on CPKC Stadium to see if the fourth-place Current can overtake the third-place Bats. With the regular season winding down, both squads have clinched a playoff spot but every win counts with home-field advantage on the line. Consider the boots laced.

🎓🏈 NCAA football: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 4 Alabama — Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET — ABC

• Buckle up for a massive SEC clash between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide as these two unbeaten rivals duke it out. Given Georgia has yet to allow a touchdown this year and Bama is one of the top scoring offenses in the country, only one thing’s for sure: expect chaos.

🏈 NFL: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens — Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC

• Cue Carrie Underwood because after waiting all day, Week 4’s Sunday Night Football is a must-see AFC showdown. Quarterback (QB) Josh Allen’s undefeated Bills against the Ravens’ dynamic duo in QB Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry? Nothing better.

Step up to the plate and join fellow GISTers in predicting the outcome of this year's World Series. Compete for amazing prizes and ultimate bragging rights.

Prizes: First place wins a $300 airline gift card, second place gets a $200 airline gift card, and third place scores a $100 airline gift card. So fly.

How to play: Sign up for free, and we’ll remind you to lock in your picks before the playoffs begin. It's a home run!

Ally’s on a mission to change the game for women’s sports — just like they’re working overtime to help you meet your financial goals. Check out how they’re investing in women athletes and learn more about how you can help too. Hint: Step one is tuning in and cheering ’em on.*

With an NYT Cooking membership. It's like having a personal chef, and their soup recipes are perfect for this time of year. Get ready for a whole lot of fall yum.

In your inbox for The GIST Book Club’s discussion on September’s book of the month, Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese. Subscribe to The GIST Book Club’s newsletters to keep the convo going.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Supporting women's sports never goes out of style.