Ava Mize

Tag: women

  • The Media’s Role in Boosting Women’s Sports Viewership and Popularity 

    The Media’s Role in Boosting Women’s Sports Viewership and Popularity 

    Over the past few years, women’s sports viewership and popularity have significantly increased. From expanded TV broadcasts to the drastic rise of streaming platforms and the power of social media– the media has played a massive role in reshaping how women’s sports are perceived, celebrated, and consumed. This change has impacted the public profile of female athletes and created new opportunities for the media to join the growing audience. 

    A Look at the Numbers: 

    NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: The 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game between LSU and Iowa drew almost 10 million viewers– making it the most-watched NCAA women’s game in history. This game represented a 103% increase from 2022 and passed viewership numbers for some NBA playoff games. 

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: The 2023 FIFA World Cup reached a record-breaking 2 billion views globally. The final drew over 75 million viewers, highlighting and showcasing its ability to captivate audiences worldwide. 

    WNBA Growth: The 2023 WNBA season was the most watched over the past two decades. The average viewership was up by 21% compared to the 2022 season. The league’s overall increased visibility on networks like ESPN and ABC has played a significant role in its overall growth. 

    Tennis Milestones: At 19 years old, CoCo Gauff won the 2023 US Open, which led to the most viewed tennis final ever on ESPN, with a total of 3.4 million views, a 92% increase from 2022. 

    Streaming Platforms and Social Media:

    Streaming services such as ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock have provided numerous ways to access women’s sporting events. In 2022 alone, women’s collegiate and professional sports combined over 22,000 hours of streamed coverage. This accessibility has allowed fans to follow their favorite teams and athletes closer than ever before. 

    Social Media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X have become powerful tools for promoting women’s sports. Athletes such as Naomi Osaka, Megan Rapinoe, and Angel Reese use these platforms to connect directly with fans, allowing them to share moments in their personal lives to draw a more significant connection with their audience.  

    The media’s influence on women’s sports cannot be overlooked. From record-breaking viewership numbers and viral social media moments, positive media attention has increased visibility, engagement, and investment in women’s athletics. 

    While there are still challenges, such as airtime and financial support– the progress made so far is undeniable. Female athletes continue to prove they can captivate audiences as much as male athletes when given the platform they deserve.

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindseyedarvin/2023/10/31/media-coverage-for-womens-sports-has-nearly-tripled-in-five-years-according-to-new-research/

  • The Role of Female Coaches and Executives in Shaping the Sports Industry 

    The Role of Female Coaches and Executives in Shaping the Sports Industry 

    Women continue to impact sports leadership– breaking barriers as coaches, general managers, and executives. While men have historically dominated the sports industry, female leaders are reshaping the game on and off the field. 

    Female coaches have continued to gain ground in professional and collegiate sports, proving that leadership and strategic intelligence are not limited by gender. Notable figures like Becky Hammon, the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA and now a head coach in the WNBA, have paved the way for others. In the NFL, Katie Sowers became the league’s first female coach to appear in a Super Bowl, laying a foundation for future generations. 

    Even though women have made considerable strides in the sports industry, they still face many challenges, including limited opportunities and biases regarding their ability to lead male athletes. However, their increasing presence in coaching roles signals progress toward a more inclusive sports industry. 

    Beyond coaching, female executives are making their mark in front offices. Kim Ng, who became the first general manager in MLB history with the Miami Marlins, exemplifies the growing influence of women in high-level decision-making roles. Meanwhile, Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, has been instrumental in transforming the franchise culture and promoting diversity. No women or people of color were in leadership when she joined the organization. Within three years, the 14-person executive team became nearly 50% women and 50% people of color. 

    Women in executive positions are not only symbolic figures; they drive innovation, advocate for diversity, and make key business decisions that shape the future of sports. As leagues and teams strive for inclusivity, female leaders prove they belong at the highest sports management level. 

    Despite the tremendous progress made, there is still room for improvement. Women continue to face difficulties in leadership roles, from outdated stereotypes to a lack of mentorship and promotion opportunities. However, organizations prioritizing diversity and inclusion are helping accelerate change within the industry. 

    The NFL’s Women Careers in Football Forum and the NBA’s Women in Basketball Operations Program are helping develop the next generation of female leaders. As media coverage of women in leadership grows, young girls can see more role models within the industry. 

    The rise of female coaches and executives continues transforming the sports industry, proving that leadership knows no gender. With continued mentorship, advocacy, and opportunity, women will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of sports. As more doors open, the industry moves closer to true equality. One hire, one promotion, is one breakthrough at a time. 

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/02/katie-sowers-49ers-bio-first-female-super-bowl-coach

    https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a63386096/women-coaches-nfl/