Event Overview

The first-ever Sports Illustrated Women’s Games will take place this October at the FrontWave Arena in Oceanside, San Diego County. This highly anticipated event will feature a competitive showdown between Team America and Team World, marking a significant moment in women’s sports due to the collaboration between Scripps Sports and Sports Illustrated.

Growing Popularity of Women’s Sports

This event coincides with a remarkable increase in the visibility and support for women’s sports across the United States. Noteworthy developments in San Diego include the establishment of the Mojo, a women’s professional volleyball team that debuted in 2024 at the Viejas Arena. The team has recently become a founding member of the new Professional Women’s Volleyball League (MLV).

Additionally, the San Diego Wave FC, a women’s soccer team, has captured the attention of numerous fans since its debut in 2022. Currently ranked fourth in their league, the Wave is eager to secure a playoff position in the upcoming season.

Fan Engagement and Community Support

Support from fans plays a crucial role in the teams’ successes. “It’s going to games like playing at Snapdragon and seeing how many people are coming to games, but then it’s also seeing how many people are talking about the Wave outside of the stadium,” remarked a player, highlighting the growing buzz around the team.

In their inaugural 2022 season, the Wave shattered the NWSL’s attendance record with 32,000 fans at their first match at Snapdragon Stadium. As one enthusiastic fan noted, “For all, and it really is inclusive. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”

Impact and Future Aspirations

The Wave’s success is a reflection of a broader surge in women’s soccer, where the NWSL’s total attendance surpassed 2 million for the first time last season, averaging over 11,000 fans per game. “There have been pioneers in the sport who have pushed for equality over the last 20 years,” commented a team member, emphasizing the importance of this progress.

The financial success of the Wave is notable as well, having been sold for $113 million last winter—making it the second-highest sale in league history. Forbes reported that the team is currently valued at $165 million, ranking as the fourth highest in the league.

Moving Forward

While excitement builds, players acknowledge that further efforts are necessary to achieve parity with men’s sports regarding salaries and resources. “It’s just gonna take more investment in realizing that women’s soccer and women’s sports in general isn’t a charity but a great business opportunity,” a player stated.

Ticket Information for the SI Women’s Games

Pre-sale tickets for the Sports Illustrated Women’s Games became available on August 14th and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on August 16th. For those interested in attending, tickets can be secured by entering the code “ABC10” in the pre-sales box.