I’ve spent the last year as a sports journalist covering women’s sports leagues in Boston. Most of Boston’s major media outlets devote a fraction of their overall coverage to women’s teams. I wanted to turn my anger into something productive, by creating a world where athletes in women’s sports leagues receive excellent, equitable, and antiracist coverage.
However, in my new part-time career as a sports reporter, I experienced heartbreak when my favorite player, Sophie Jacques, got traded. Jacques is a young, Black Canadian hockey superstar who was drafted by our local professional women’s hockey team, PWHL Boston. She was recognized as the top player in Division I NCAA hockey, holds a degree in civil engineering, and devotes her spare time to the Black Girls Hockey Club. She was the dream feature story for any sports reporter.
But before I had the chance to write about her, she was traded. This disappointment taught me an important lesson: there are profoundly interesting and talented athletes in every women’s league, if only we were looking for them.
Women’s college basketball is currently experiencing an extraordinary moment, long overdue. Caitlin Clark, in her final year at Iowa, is receiving extensive press coverage for her incredible performance and record-breaking achievements. Players like JuJu Watkins, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers are gaining widespread recognition. The viewership for women’s college basketball games is also increasing, with 12.3 million people tuning in to watch an Elite 8 game on ESPN, making it the most-watched college basketball game ever broadcast on the network.
Despite these positive developments, women’s sports still only receive 15% of all sports media coverage. The spotlight, attention, and investment are lacking. Many argue that women’s leagues don’t deserve as much airtime as men’s leagues because they have fewer fans. However, people can’t love what they cannot see, and right now, fans cannot see enough of the women’s leagues.
Women’s sports deserve more coverage and recognition. For example, ESPN holds the rights to the NCAA Women’s Tournament but has only recently begun marketing it. Women’s games are not easily accessible on ESPN’s platforms.
At Boston Women’s Sports, we have witnessed the hunger for more stories about athletes in women’s leagues. Stories about athletes like Cheyenne Matthews, a player on the Jamaican National Team, received immense popularity. We have also focused on amplifying stories of Black women athletes from Massachusetts, uncovering underreported stories from the past and present.
The solution is simple: share more stories. The best way to land a sermon is to share a good story. By showcasing these stories, we can increase visibility and appreciation for women’s leagues.
It is essential to celebrate this moment in women’s sports, not only because it’s well-deserved and long overdue but also because it’s fun. Let’s also celebrate the generations of players who never got the spotlight but still excelled in their sport. Enjoy watching athletes like Caitlin make remarkable plays and witnessing teams like North Carolina State’s unlikely run.
To further support women’s sports, throw your own watch party or visit bars that focus on women’s sports like Drawdown Brewery in Boston. It’s time to break the standard operating sexism and give women’s sports the attention they deserve.
In conclusion, the underrepresentation of women’s sports in media coverage is a longstanding issue. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. By sharing more stories and increasing visibility, we can create a world where women’s sports receive the recognition and investment they deserve.
Analysis on the Implications and Future Trends:
The lack of media coverage for women’s sports leagues has significant implications for the industry. With only 15% of sports media focusing on women’s sports, talented athletes and their stories go unnoticed. This lack of visibility hinders the growth and potential of women’s sports.
One potential future trend related to this issue is the increasing demand for more coverage of women’s sports. As more fans and supporters advocate for equal representation and coverage, media outlets may start to recognize the untapped potential in covering women’s sports. This could lead to an increase in media partnerships and sponsorships for women’s leagues, ultimately providing more resources and exposure for female athletes.
Another potential trend is the rise of digital platforms and independent media outlets dedicated to women’s sports. As traditional media outlets struggle to allocate sufficient coverage to women’s sports, digital platforms have the opportunity to fill the void. These platforms can focus exclusively on women’s sports, providing in-depth coverage, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews. This shift could disrupt the traditional media landscape and offer a new avenue for fans to engage with women’s sports.
The emergence of social media as a powerful tool for promoting women’s sports is also a key trend to consider. Athletes, fans, and organizations have utilized social media platforms to amplify women’s sports and their narratives. This growing online community provides an alternative space for fans to support and follow their favorite female athletes. As social media continues to shape the way we consume and interact with sports content, it presents an opportunity to bridge the visibility gap for women’s sports.
Furthermore, the increasing popularity of international competitions, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, showcases the global appeal and potential of women’s sports. These events attract millions of viewers and generate significant public interest. Capitalizing on these international platforms, women’s sports can gain more exposure and recognition, paving the way for future growth and investment.
Recommendations for the Industry:
To address the implications and embrace these future trends, the sports industry should take proactive steps to support and promote women’s sports. Here are some recommendations:
1. Media Outlets: Increase coverage and representation of women’s sports leagues. Dedicate resources to highlight the stories, achievements, and talents of female athletes. Collaborate with digital platforms and independent media outlets to expand coverage.
2. Sponsorships and Partnerships: Encourage brands and sponsors to invest in women’s sports. By providing financial support, training facilities, and resources, sponsors can elevate the visibility and opportunities for female athletes.
3. Grassroots Development: Focus on grassroots development programs for women’s sports. Provide equal opportunities and resources at the grassroots level to nurture young talent and create a pipeline for future success.
4. Fan Engagement: Engage fans through interactive content, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive interviews with female athletes. Leverage the power of social media to build a strong online community around women’s sports.
5. Education and Awareness: Promote gender equality in sports through education and awareness campaigns. Challenge stereotypes, biases, and prejudices that hinder the growth and recognition of women’s sports.
By implementing these recommendations, the sports industry can create a more inclusive and balanced landscape, where women’s sports receive the attention, investment, and recognition they deserve.
In conclusion, the underrepresentation of women’s sports leagues in media coverage is an ongoing issue that requires collective efforts to address. However, by amplifying the voices and stories of female athletes, embracing technological advancements, and challenging societal norms, we can create a future where women’s sports thrive and receive the recognition they deserve.