Trends: Women and Sports

Many of the top women PINK profiles say they enjoy playing sports in their free time to rejuvenate themselves. Though research shows that women who participate in sports at an early age often do better in school and have higher rates of employment, women are underrepresented in the sports world.

How can women advance in the business-side of sports?

“Prove that you’re someone who gets the job done and moves the business forward,” Laura Gentile, VP of the recently launched ESPNW.com, tells PINK. “Build a portfolio of real results and real successes. It’s hard to argue with results.”

Programs like ESPNW seem like a natural progression for sports networks, as women make up one-fourth of ESPN’s viewers. 

“I’m surrounded by more female executives, and women in general, who have grown up playing and watching sports,” explains Gentile. “With time, there will be a greater number of women in sports-related businesses in decision-making roles.”

Organizations like the Women’s Sports Foundation and Women Talk Sports provide resources for tracking the progress of women in sports, timely research on equity issues and a forum for women athletes to support one another.

Jersey Girl Sports is a fast-growing website and lifestyle brand for female sports fans where women can connect through blogs, events and video segments.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out how WBNA Center for the Atlanta Dream Yelena Leuchanka overcame body issues and Chernobyl to get to the top.

By Caroline Cox

“Never forget where you came from, and reach back to help someone else come forward, too.” Alpha Alexander, co-founder, the Black Women in Sports Foundation