2023 has been an unprecedented year for women’s sports. With Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open win shattering viewership records, the WNBA expanding to new cities, and record-setting attendance in the NWSL, it’s fulfilling the age-old prophecy (read: movie line) that: If you build it, they will come.
It’s worth noting: the talent has always been there. And in most cases, the fans have been too. But now, at this moment, the culture seems to finally be catching up. Brands are stepping up. New markets are forming. Records are being shattered. It’s an exciting time to be a fan.
And before you say it, yes there’s still a long way to go—female athletes are still paid significantly less than males, their games get less airtime, and sponsors are still few and far between. But for the first time in a long time, you can feel the momentum shifting. You can feel the energy in the arena starting to shift.
So, while athletes and fans alike continue to fight for long overdue change, consider this our huddle to break down what’s happening on the court and off the field. To break down the impact. To champion the future. And to celebrate the yards gained—and all that’s still to come.
Gaining Yards 