Sports Geek’s Post

Great insight from Youth Sports industry leaders! Thanks Sports Business Journal for hosting.

Women’s football is not at its final destination. There’s still so much growth ahead before it reaches its full potential. But how do we get there? Here are 3 things that come to mind: 1/ Invest in better coverage and media exposure → Right now, women’s football isn’t getting the same attention as men’s. → More cameras, more live broadcasts, and more storytelling will drive viewership—and with that, sponsorships and revenue. 2/ Expand grassroots programs → Inspiring the next generation starts from the ground up. → We need more investment in grassroots football programs for girls to get involved early and stay engaged. → The more young players we nurture, the stronger the future of the game will be. Improved facilities and resources ⚽ → Women’s teams deserve the same access to world-class facilities, coaching, and support as men’s teams. → Success on the pitch starts with investment off the pitch. Women’s football is only getting started ✌🏻❤️

It’s exciting to think about how far women’s football has come, yet the journey ahead seems even more transformative. @Mary Earps MBE brings up some crucial points about the investment, grassroots efforts, and infrastructure that could help the sport reach new heights. But it raises an interesting question: why is women’s football—or women’s sports in general—not as popular as men’s? Is it only a matter of media exposure and resources, or are there deeper social and cultural factors that keep the scales tipped toward men’s sports? For decades, women’s sports have been sidelined, and that gap isn’t simply due to funding or coverage alone—it’s about changing mindsets and breaking down long-standing biases about who gets to be in the spotlight. What would it really take for us as a society to shift that? And what role do we, as fans, media consumers, and even participants, play in bringing women’s sports to equal footing? Is it just about being spectators, or do we need to rethink how we actively show up for women’s sports in everyday life?

Women's sports are currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in visibility and recognition, marking a significant turning point in the sports landscape. This momentum is exemplified by record-breaking viewership for events like the NCAA women's basketball championship, which attracted more viewers than the men's final for the first time in history. More recently, the National Women’s Soccer League has broken attendance records this season and nearly doubled its national TV audience, while the WNBA’s regular season ratings hit a twenty-four-year high. This panel will explore the massive boost in women’s sports audiences and attention and look at the necessary next steps to continue growing this momentum. Attend Summit: https://bit.ly/4dHHHZ7 #PaleySummit #WomensSports #WNBA

"In the world of sports, where competition meets spectacle, there is a constant debate between dynasties and parity. Dynasties, characterized by dominant teams that consistently rise above their competitors, often face criticism for creating predictability in leagues. Yet, the truth remains: dynasties inject passion, fervor, and a narrative arc into sports that parity simply cannot match." #Dynasties #SportsMythology #LegendaryTeams #CompetitiveSpirit #Rivalries #PursuitOfExcellence #NarrativeArc #PassionForSports #EmbraceGreatness #MexitNews

"In the world of sports, where competition meets spectacle, there is a constant debate between dynasties and parity. Dynasties, characterized by dominant teams that consistently rise above their competitors, often face criticism for creating predictability in leagues. Yet, the truth remains: dynasties inject passion, fervor, and a narrative arc into sports that parity simply cannot match." #Dynasties #SportsMythology #LegendaryTeams #CompetitiveSpirit #Rivalries #PursuitOfExcellence #NarrativeArc #PassionForSports #EmbraceGreatness #MexitNews

"In the world of sports, where competition meets spectacle, there is a constant debate between dynasties and parity. Dynasties, characterized by dominant teams that consistently rise above their competitors, often face criticism for creating predictability in leagues. Yet, the truth remains: dynasties inject passion, fervor, and a narrative arc into sports that parity simply cannot match." #Dynasties #SportsMythology #LegendaryTeams #CompetitiveSpirit #Rivalries #PursuitOfExcellence #NarrativeArc #PassionForSports #EmbraceGreatness #MexitNews

"In the world of sports, where competition meets spectacle, there is a constant debate between dynasties and parity. Dynasties, characterized by dominant teams that consistently rise above their competitors, often face criticism for creating predictability in leagues. Yet, the truth remains: dynasties inject passion, fervor, and a narrative arc into sports that parity simply cannot match." #Dynasties #SportsMythology #LegendaryTeams #CompetitiveSpirit #Rivalries #PursuitOfExcellence #NarrativeArc #PassionForSports #EmbraceGreatness #MexitNews

Using a mere few hundred thousand TV viewers as a gauge amidst a potential audience of nearly 400 million, of whom only 83 million demonstrate any real interest in soccer, reveals a glaring discrepancy that demands attention. This discrepancy underscores the evident disinterest of America in the lackluster, exclusive ventures embodied by MLS and USL. These leagues, characterized by their poor quality and dismissive approach to sport development, fail to resonate with a nation yearning for genuine soccer experiences. The failure of the Federation to actively track and address the state of the sport is concerning, as it falls squarely within their mandate. Where is the long-term vision? Where is the strategic planning for the next 5, 10, or 20 years? American soccer languishes in dire need of comprehensive reform, necessitating the removal of gatekeepers who hinder progress and innovation. While competition is undeniably beneficial for the sport, the monopolistic grip maintained by certain entities stifles growth and alienates fans. True progress can only be achieved through fostering an environment where diverse voices and ideas thrive, rather than succumbing to the confines of a stifling monopoly https://lnkd.in/ebGvHtrB

Will be watching for the men’s number later on Tuesday - but a few observations: -the women’s game was historic but might not reach those heights again for a while. Generational players vs. potentially generational, undefeated team. Lightning in a bottle. - you can bet CBS and Turner (Turner Broadcasting System, Inc) will be taking a look at these numbers SINCE the women’s Final Four shifted to Friday/Sunday and, most importantly, put the final on a broadcast channel vs. the rotation that made this year’s men’s semi-finals a cable-exclusive. Does this model work in an age of cord-cutting? - Finally, will the NCAA relent on either a day or time change for the final? The 9:20+ tip off EDT made sense in a pre-streaming era, but I wonder if west coast viewership would really drop much with an earlier start?