Author: Sandra Brown

Women’s Sports Coverage in New Zealand: Progress and Challenges Current Landscape of Coverage Women’s sports in New Zealand have seen a noticeable increase in media coverage, rising from a mere 15% five years ago to approximately 23% in the current year. Despite this progress, questions remain about the sustainability of this upward trend and whether it will reach the target of 30-35% in the near future. Voices from the Sport Sector Raelene Castle, the Chief Executive of Sport New Zealand, is optimistic about the future. “I think this will be the new baseline,” she remarked. She highlighted the growing awareness…

In Memory of Helen Smiley: A Trailblazer in Women’s Athletics Helen Smiley, a pivotal figure in the advancement of women’s sports and a former athletics administrator at the University of North Dakota (UND), has passed away at the age of 87. She died on Friday in Davenport, Iowa. A Distinguished Career at UND Smiley dedicated 14 years to UND, where she made lasting contributions to the athletic program. Her significant achievements included induction into the UND Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997 and serving as the interim athletic director for a four-month period in 1984, following the transition between Carl…

Record Viewership for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group Stages The ongoing UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 has achieved remarkable milestones in television viewership, with ratings nearly doubling since the last tournament in 2022. According to Fox Sports, the average number of viewers for the 24 group-stage matches this summer was approximately 306,000, a significant increase from the 161,000 viewers recorded three years ago. Highlights of the Tournament One of the standout matches was the thrilling encounter on July 5, where France triumphed over reigning champions England with a 2-1 victory. This match attracted an impressive 690,000 viewers, marking a 329% rise…

The Transformative Impact of Programmatic Advertising on Women’s Sports Programmatic advertising is reshaping the dynamics within women’s sports, providing new opportunities for brands to connect with enthusiastic audiences. Huda Kazi, the Vice President of Ad Technology and Operations at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), underscored this evolution during a discussion with Beet.TV Editorial Director Lisa Granatstein at the FreeWheel Programmatic Summit in New York. Connecting Brands with Engaged Audiences Kazi emphasized that programmatic advertising functions far beyond mere monetization; it acts as a matchmaking engine that aligns brands with passionate viewers. “Women’s sports aren’t background noise,” she stated. “People are tuned…

Understanding the Challenges Female Athletes Face A recent survey involving 3,000 female sports players has highlighted the persistent issues of sexism and health-related barriers in women’s sports. The findings reveal not only the types of derogatory comments women experience but also the impact these have on their participation in sports. Key Findings on Sexist Comments The survey identified several forms of unwanted remarks that female athletes encounter. Among the respondents: 42% reported being told that women are not as skilled in sports as men. 32% felt belittled by comments suggesting that women in sports are inferior or ‘soft.’ 47% indicated…

Ally Financial’s Pioneering Investment in Women’s Sports Ally Financial has made significant strides in the world of sports sponsorship since 2022 by focusing its resources on women’s athletics. This strategic pivot has coincided with a remarkable surge in popularity for women’s sports over the past few years. Growing Audience Engagement Recent statistics highlight the booming interest in women’s sports. For instance, the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League championship achieved its highest audience numbers to date, while nearly 18.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the NCAA women’s basketball championship—up from 10 million in 2023. Additionally, the 2024 WNBA draft attracted…

Challenges Women Face in Sports Prevalence of Sexist Remarks A significant number of female athletes have reported encountering sexist remarks during their participation in sports. A recent survey involving 3,000 female sports players revealed that nearly 50% have faced derogatory comments such as “throw like a girl” or “look like a man.” Such insults often undermine their physical capabilities and reinforce negative stereotypes. Sources of Comments 47% of comments were made by male strangers in public. 44% came from male athletes. 36% originated from male coaches. Attitudes Towards Women in Sports The survey also highlighted that 42% of respondents have…

Soft Hooligans Bring a Wave of Change to Women’s Football Support The Soft Hooligans, a Swedish supporter group, are making noise at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, promoting an inclusive atmosphere in the stands as they cheer on their national team. Their mission extends beyond supporting Sweden; they aim to enhance the overall condition and visibility of women’s football. The Birth of the Soft Hooligans Founded in 2017 by Kajsa Aronsson and her daughter Estrid Kjellman, the roots of the Soft Hooligans can be traced back to a disappointing atmosphere at the Women’s Euros in the Netherlands. “It was just so…

Philadelphia’s Marsha’s: Pioneering the Queer Women’s Sports Bar Movement As the popularity of women’s sports continues to grow, so does the establishment of bars dedicated to celebrating these athletes. In a groundbreaking move, Philadelphia is set to welcome Marsha’s, the city’s first queer women’s sports bar, designed to provide an engaging space for female sports fans. Location and Vision Located at 430 South Street, Marsha’s will be a hub for fans to watch women’s sports competitions unfold on big screens. The bar is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to open its doors by next month. The concept originated with…

Women in Sports Summit 2025: A New Chapter in Las Vegas Overview of the Event The prestigious Women in Sports Summit is set to take place at Wynn Las Vegas on July 14 and 15, 2025. This will be the first instance of the summit being held outside its traditional venue in New Orleans, marking an exciting evolution for the event. Key Organizer and Platform Swin Cash, a renowned figure in women’s basketball—known for her achievements as a WNBA player, Olympian, and executive—will bring her acclaimed initiative, She’s Got Time, to the forefront of the summit. Her participation underscores a…