Overview

Over the past five years, Nike has been dedicated to addressing the barriers women face in sports through its initiative known as the Athlete Think Tank. This program convenes prominent athletes to engage in meaningful discussions and develop actionable solutions.

Notable Participants

The Athlete Think Tank has seen contributions from a diverse array of athletes, including:

• Serena Williams (Tennis)
• Sabrina Ionescu (Basketball, Liberty)
• Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
• Sanya Richards-Ross (Track and Field)
• Sha’Carri Richardson (Sprint)
• Sue Bird (Basketball, Hall of Fame)
• Jess Sims (Peloton Instructor)
• Carson Pickett (NWSL, Orlando Pride)
• Tayla Harris (Australian Sport)
• JuJu Watkins (USC Basketball)

The most recent assembly, referred to as Cohort 4.0, met during the Paris Olympics and reconvened in Mexico later that same year.

Achievements and Innovations

As a result of the discussions within these cohorts, several notable innovations have emerged. Key achievements include:

• The Leakproof collection, designed specifically for menstrual protection
• A Nike-branded Hyperice recovery boot
• A critical stance against white soccer shorts, deemed impractical for female athletes

Additionally, these conversations have placed a stronger emphasis on mental health within the sports community.

Voices from the Cohorts

Participants have expressed optimism about the direction of women’s sports and the importance of representation. Sanya Richards-Ross noted, “We’re headed in the right direction when it comes to supporting women in sports and giving women an opportunity to be heard and seen.”