Strategic Investment by Monumental Sports & Entertainment in Women’s Sports Media
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) has announced a significant investment in The IX, a sports media platform that focuses on women’s sports, including a specialized wing known as The Next, dedicated specifically to women’s basketball coverage.
The IX and The Next: Pioneering Women’s Sports Journalism
Founded in 2019 by sports journalism veteran Howard Megdal, The IX offers a daily newsletter featuring original reporting, in-depth analysis, and coverage of various women’s sports like soccer, tennis, and gymnastics. With a talented team of six reporters, the platform has gained a reputation for providing valuable insights and information.
In 2020, Megdal expanded his efforts with the creation of The Next, a trailblazing 24/7 newsroom solely devoted to women’s basketball. This vertical produces over 100 articles each month and hosts six weekly podcasts, establishing itself as a vital source of news and updates in the field.
Investment Enhancements
MSE’s investment aims to bolster The IX and The Next by enabling the hiring of two full-time staff members dedicated to business operations. This expansion is expected to enhance the company’s capacity for growth and outreach, expanding their influence in a segment of sports journalism traditionally underserved in terms of media coverage. Importantly, editorial independence is assured, as stipulated in the investment agreement.
Commitment to Women’s Sports
“Our partnership with The IX and The Next underscores our unwavering dedication to promoting women’s sports,” remarked Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at MSE. “The journalism provided by Howard and his team is vital for informing and inspiring a diverse set of audiences.”
Megdal expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership, emphasizing MSE’s alignment with The IX’s mission. “This investment will allow us to connect brands with audiences eager for women’s sports content while maintaining our independence in journalism,” he stated.
Ted Leonsis, CEO and Founder of Monumental, also shared his appreciation for the platforms, citing his early subscription and continued engagement with their content. “I am proud of the work they are doing to elevate women’s sports,” he added.
Audience Growth and Impact
Since their inception, both The IX and The Next have seen significant growth, with The IX attracting over 12 million readers and The Next reaching approximately 30 million in 2024. Additionally, The Next’s podcast, “Locked on Women’s Basketball,” garners over 350,000 listeners monthly, illustrating the growing appetite for coverage in this sector.
Monumental’s Ongoing Investment in Women’s Sports
This investment is part of MSE’s broader commitment to enhance women’s sports visibility. Under Ted Leonsis’s leadership, the organization has implemented various pioneering initiatives, such as the Washington Mystics’ dedicated pre-and postgame shows and collaboration with collegiate athletic departments to air women’s college games.
Furthermore, MSE has actively engaged in community outreach, including youth sports initiatives aimed at empowering girls, showcasing its commitment to fostering the next generation of female athletes.
Conclusion
The strategic investment by Monumental Sports & Entertainment in The IX and The Next represents a significant leap forward in the coverage of women’s sports, supporting a vital narrative that continues to grow and evolve in the media landscape.
