A New Era: Driving Progress in Sports Leadership

In professional sports, gender disparity remains a stark reality, especially in leadership roles. While progress has been made toward gender equality, persistent stereotypes and biases often hinder the acceptance of strong women in the front office and decision-making positions.

Traditionally, sports are male-dominated, both on the playing field and in administrative roles. In my experience, when women step into leadership positions in sports, we challenge longstanding norms,?

Societal biases about gender roles and leadership styles often compound these challenges. For some, adjusting to a woman’s authoritative and strategic approach can clash with myopic perceptions of what leadership in sports "should" look like, revealing misconceptions about gender and capability.

The growing success of leagues such as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) reflects an increasing acceptance and enthusiasm for women’s sports. Highlighting this growing popularity is the announcement in December 2024 that the WNBA is the country’s fastest-growing brand and that they have “seen the biggest rise in purchasing consideration this year” (Morning Consult).??

?Audiences are eager to support and celebrate not only these leagues but also individual athletes and their achievements. WNBA star Caitlin Clark demonstrates how fan engagement can elevate not just an individual athlete but an entire league. Her ability to connect with audiences through performance and personal storytelling highlights the deep, sustained support that women’s sports can generate when given the platform they deserve. Not only did she bring more viewers to the WNBA, but her ability to build a brand for herself resulted in her landing on the cover of TIME as the Athlete of the Year.?

With the success women experience on the court and playing field, it is a natural next step that they continue to elevate as decision-makers. Billie Jean King passionately called for women to take their rightful place in professional sports organizations, leading front offices and influencing how the organizations are run.?

For me, owning a professional men’s football team is an effective way to create meaningful change. It’s an opportunity to advocate for more qualified female leaders, to lead by example, and to open doors for others. Team ownership is a platform to challenge the status quo and implement a culture prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Do not misunderstand my advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am not about meeting quotas or ticking boxes; this is about recognizing that everyone, regardless of gender or race, contributes to leadership, innovation and organizational success in meaningful ways. By fostering these principles, team ownership sets a standard for others to follow.?

In leadership, women are making significant strides and proving our competence in professional sports. Kim Ng, as General Manager of the Miami Marlins, shattered barriers and demonstrated the immense value women bring to leadership roles in sports. Her success, along with others, sets a powerful precedent for future generations. Yet, there is still much work to be done to foster widespread acceptance.

When I, or another female leader in sports, step into a room filled with team owners or sports leaders, our presence alone challenges the status quo. True progress means going beyond representation—it’s about transforming the conversation, creating opportunities and building a future where leadership isn’t defined by gender, but by vision, capability and impact. I am committed to continuing this work and reshaping the narrative to move beyond gender.