Athletes Abroad Summit on LinkedIn: #ballinabroad #athletesabroad #basketball #thebusinessbehindtheball #wnba… (2024)

9 years ago, while trying to raise awareness and commitment for the football World Cup 2015 (women's edition), I couldn't have imagined attending the Cannes Festival of Creativity and finding so much focus in women in sports AND women sports- and even a Grand Prix for a women’s sport ad. What a journey!Many brand connections during the festival asked about key women in sports beyond the ones on site. So for those seeking thought leaders to highlight, follow, or invite as speakers, here are 10 outstanding ones:Ann Rodriguez (Senior Advisor): From starting a football club to leadership positions at the WNBA and LA28, to investing in sports, Ann is one of the smartest in the game.Blanca Gonzalez (SVP/GM at WSS / Foot Locker): A total trailblazer that works not only in raising awareness for women sports - but to women and women of color everywhere.Morgan Shaw Parker (President, Atlanta Dream): One of the most accomplished women in sports, currently driving some significant momentum on the athlete-owned Atlanta WNBA team.Naomi Clarkson (Head of Marketing, Wahoo): If you’re looking for someone in the intersection of sports and technology, Naomi is one to not miss.Portia Archer (President, WTA):As a tennis fan I could not be more excited for the WTA's hire of this incredible woman. An experienced and calm voice that has excelled in the network world, in basketball - and will take tennis to a new level in culture.Pri Shumate (CMO, Miami Dolphins): Say hi to one of the newest CMOs of an NFL team. Pri has vast experience in sports- from being an accomplished volleyball player, running marketing for a surf brand and a surf league, bringing the Olympics to a tech company… and now taking the Dolphins to new heights.Sheerin Salimi (VP of Comms at BSE global): One of the youngest and most exciting voices in sports, Sheerin leads the comms charge for BSE global which includes the nets… and the Liberty.Sarah Kate (Skate) Noftsinger (Chief Business Officer, Atlanta United: Skate is a leader helping make Atlanta the epicenter of soccer in America and doing it while keeping the focus on the community.Sanja K. (Founder at ONA): a leading creative force at the intersection of women sports and culture through the agency she created after leaving Nike, ONA.Swin Cash (SVP, New Orleans Pelicans): One of the most powerful women in basketball period.. a journey that started when she was a star on the court, and continues as a complete boss off the court.These trailblazers, among many others (may need to make a second edition) are shaping the future of women's sports. Who would you add to this list?#WomenInSports #SportsMarketing #Leadership

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2023 was a pivotal year for women in sports — a tipping point defined by record-breaking events like the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and the Women’s World Cup. Women’s sports are expected to become even bigger in the year ahead. The new Professional Women’s Hockey League kicked off its inaugural season in January. At the upcoming Olympics Games, there will be an equal number of male and female athletes, a first in the history of the Games.Deloitte forecasts that in 2024, for the first time, women’s elite sports will generate a revenue that surpasses $1 billion — a 300% increase on the industry’s evaluation in 2021.It’s hard to pinpoint what, exactly, is driving the sudden surge in popularity of women’s sports. Some fans point to young rising stars like tennis player Coco Gauff and college basketball standout Caitlin Clark, who are attracting new viewers to their sports, while coaches and sports executives attribute the growth to new investments in women’s professional leagues and greater sponsorship opportunities.These four standout moments in women’s sports highlight its success in the past year and could hint at its continued rise in 2024.

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#Sns institutions#snsdesignthinkers#snsdesignthinking**The Thrilling World of Basketball: A Dunk Spectacle**Basketball is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world with its fast-paced action, incredible athleticism, and nail-biting finishes. From the roaring crowds in iconic arenas to the rhythm of sneakers squeaking on hardwood, basketball is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon.**History and Origins:**Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. Originally, it was a simple game played with a soccer ball and a peach basket, where the objective was to throw the ball into the basket to score. Over the years, the game evolved, and so did its rules and equipment.**The NBA - Where Legends are Made:**The National Basketball Association (NBA) stands as the pinnacle of professional basketball. With stars like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, the NBA has produced iconic athletes who have transcended the sport and become global celebrities. The NBA Finals, the league's championship series, is an annual spectacle that draws in viewers from all corners of the globe.**The Global Game:**Basketball's popularity isn't confined to the United States. It has spread its influence worldwide. The FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympic basketball tournaments feature international teams competing for glory, making the sport a true global phenomenon.**Skills and Strategy:**Basketball demands a unique combination of skills. Players must possess speed, agility, and exceptional hand-eye coordination. Teamwork and strategy are equally vital. Coaches strategize to outwit their opponents, while players execute breathtaking passes, dunks, and three-point shots.**Impact on Culture:**Beyond the court, basketball has significantly influenced popular culture. Hip-hop music, fashion, and even the language of the game have left an indelible mark on society. Iconic sneaker brands like Nike and Adidas have collaborated with basketball stars to create stylish and functional basketball shoes.**Community and Inclusivity:**Basketball is a sport that unites people from diverse backgrounds. It's played in schoolyards, neighborhood courts, and professional arenas alike. Its inclusive nature fosters a sense of community and belonging for fans and players.In conclusion, basketball is more than a sport; it's a way of life for many. With its rich history, global reach, and the indomitable spirit of its athletes, it continues to inspire and captivate, reminding us why it's often called "the beautiful game."Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the thrill of a buzzer-beater or a gravity-defying slam dunk is something that transcends boundaries and brings people together, celebrating the spirit of competition and the joy of the game.

2023 was a pivotal year for women in sports — a tipping point defined by record-breaking events like the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and the Women’s World Cup. Women’s sports are expected to become even bigger in the year ahead. The new Professional Women’s Hockey League kicked off its inaugural season in January. At the upcoming Olympics Games, there will be an equal number of male and female athletes, a first in the history of the Games.Deloitte forecasts that in 2024, for the first time, women’s elite sports will generate a revenue that surpasses $1 billion — a 300% increase on the industry’s evaluation in 2021.It’s hard to pinpoint what, exactly, is driving the sudden surge in popularity of women’s sports. Some fans point to young rising stars like tennis player Coco Gauff and college basketball standout Caitlin Clark, who are attracting new viewers to their sports, while coaches and sports executives attribute the growth to new investments in women’s professional leagues and greater sponsorship opportunities.These four standout moments in women’s sports highlight its success in the past year and could hint at its continued rise in 2024.

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"So, what can we do in Women's football?"I know for a fact that this question has and will have been asked throughout marketing departments everywhere since the end of the women's world cup.❌ But this approach is WRONG! ❌👉 Not because Women's football is the wrong property👉 Not because Women's sport is the wrong investment opportunityBut because you've got:❌ No plan.❌ No strategy.❌ No objectives.So take a second and think.Do the due diligence....🤔 Is Women's football right for us?🤔 Is team, international or league sponsorship the right avenue?🤔 How far will our budget take us?🤔 Which properties reflect our brand values?🤔 Which partnerships help access our target audience?🤔 How might we amplify our partnerships?All of these questions are VITAL in making the right decision.I'm a HUGE advocate for increased investment in women's sport (not just football) but it's SO important that brands approach it in the right way!✅ To deliver mutual results✅ To create long-term partnerships✅ To add genuine value for the fansIt's an amazing legacy that the #Lionesses have created. So, sure, jump on the bandwagon!But make sure you're jumping on it right...and you don't land awkwardly, do roll backwards and get spat out of the boot!#sportsbiz #sportsmarketing #womenssports

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Day 10 for the #linkedinsportschallenge. Here's a look at some significant highlights and trends emerging in women's sports, drawing from Brad Adgate's Forbes article. 📺Rising Popularity on TV: Women's sports have been steadily climbing. The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament saw a significant spike in viewership. The title game had 4.85 million viewers, an 18% increase from the previous year.⛹️♀️Investments in Women's Leagues: The WNBA celebrated a remarkable season, with a 51% rise in viewership and raising $75 million to boost the league. Meanwhile, the Premier Hockey Federation is investing $25 million to elevate the sport, and the NWSL recently witnessed its title game, averaging 525,000 viewers, a 216% jump from 2019.🌍Global Sporting Events: USWNT and World Cup take center stage. The 2019 World Cup final recorded 14.3 million viewers, surpassing the men's final in 2018. Moreover, U.S. female athletes outshined their male counterparts in the Olympics, clinching more medals in the Tokyo and Beijing Games.💰Endorsem*nts and Sponsorships: Women athletes are making significant strides in endorsem*nts. Tennis stars like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams lead, with Osaka earning $57.2 million. Moreover, Michelob Ultra pledged to invest $100 million in women's sports sponsorships over the next five years.📡Media Coverage & Streaming: While mainstream media coverage has traditionally overlooked women's sports, new initiatives, like Fast Studios launching The Women's Sports Network, are set to change the narrative. ESPN also planned a series of documentaries named Fifty/50 to honor the impact of Title IX.👥Social Media & Activism: Female athletes are not just winning games but also hearts, amassing millions of followers on social media. They're leveraging their influence to shed light on essential issues such as mental health, social justice, and racial equality.The combination of increased viewership, investments, endorsem*nts, and a strong social media presence has propelled women's sports into unprecedented growth. #WomeninSports #Linkedinsportshttps://lnkd.in/eWqNyicH

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What do a Chanel sweatsuit and a sequin suit emblazoned with Coca-Cola have in common?They were the coaching outfits of choice for last night's epic battle between #1 University of South Carolina and #9 LSU. You could not have two more different programs. One coach is loud, boisterous, rowdy. The other is calm, witty and composed. But every one of the more than 13,000 people in the Baton Rouge crowd last night and the millions more who watched it at home like I did were in a for a treat. We've seen an increase in attendance and ratings for women's sports across the board, and we're seeing it become more mainstream than ever. You've got NBA players wearing WNBA players shoes. Little boys are wearing female professional athletes' jerseys. A Caitlyn Clark trading card selling for almost $80,000. And moms like me letting our daughters stay up late to watch women's NCAA basketball or up early to watch the Australian Open. If you have a professional female sports league in your town, buy tickets and support them. The games are so fun, the athletes are so talented and you'll be hooked. Not to mention this fun stat from Deloitte for kicks: "85% of surveyed women who played sports saythe skills they developed playing sports were important to success in their professional careers— the findings are even higher among women in leadership roles (91%) and women who make $100,000 or more (93%)." Let me know how sports impacted you or which tickets you're buying next.Atlanta Vibe Pro VolleyballAtlanta Dream WNBAATLANTA HARLEQUINS WOMENS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUBhttps://lnkd.in/evSvNti3

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After some reflection on the National Basketball Association (NBA) a few things have really stuck with me... And I’m going to surprise you by *not* talking about the Curry vs Ionescu matchup first (we’ll get to that). The highlight for me was the technology on display throughout the event. From the digital activations at the NBA Crossover to the mesmeric glass LED court, technology was used exactly as it should in sports - to enhance the fan experience by truly immersing us in the moment. It was also great to see the inclusivity around the event. As the hottest tickets in town, it was no surprise tickets for the big events were at a premium. However, this was no single-day event. It was a festival for all. A family of four could access the events surrounding the game, including brand sponsored activities, be immersed in the NBA experience and even access a practice event without breaking the bank. Experiential moments were everywhere, and they were fun, not just a data collection opportunity. And I must give kudos to the city of Indianapolis for creating avenues to include the wider community, including handing out 400 tickets via local organizations – tactics like this build ever important community support. On the topic of inclusivity, it was exciting to witness the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge. Seeing Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry face off was edge-of-your-seat stuff and I was glad to see that translated online, with 5.4 million people tuning in! From a brand perspective, the real MVPs were the ones that worked together. Google & AT&T collaborated for the NBA Crossover fan event, giving fans an opportunity to win a signed jersey, while Foot Locker and Nike stole the show with ‘The Clinic’, featuring some of the most iconic names in basketball. Whether you experienced the event in-person or online, I’d be interested to get your thoughts, so send me a message or share a comment!#nbaallstar2024 #sportsmarketing #hoosiers

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Day 11 #linkedinsportschallenge - Discuss developments in women's sports. What trends are emerging?One trend I am seeing in women's sports is within college. This past year the Women's NCAA tournament Final Four had a record breaking year in terms of viewership. This is due in part of compelling play from some bright new stars including Angel Reese from LSU and Caitlin Clark from Iowa, who both faced off in the championship. Following the championship, these two athletes have gained a lot of NIL deals with Amazon, AirBnB, Topps and many other brands. Livvy Dunne, LSU Gymnast, has also quickly become one of College's biggest stars, in terms of NIL deals she has signed deals with Leaf Trading Cards, Accelerator energy drink, and was recently featured in the ManningCast commercial. Women's sports has seen exponential growth due to compelling stories, exciting new athletes, and rising investments within the professional and college levels. This trend will continue as we celebrate the incredible achievements women athletes continue to showcase. #linkedinsports #sportsindustry #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz

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Women's Pro Sports isn’t just having a “moment”. It's becoming a broader, cultural movement. And it's not slowing down. Per Nielsen, the global women’s sports industry will break the $1 billion in revenue barrier, a 300% increase from 2021. Obviously, the WNBA (+511% for the draft and +29% ‘in interest in the WNBA in general) and Women's NCAA basketball (+89% for the Finals) were way up this year. But Women’s Soccer is building momentum with +17% YoY for the National Women’s Soccer League and a +52% burst in interest in England’s Women’s Super League after England won the 2022 EURO. Two more points that make this particularly awesome:💥 Iconic women athletes aren’t new (even as they are not as well compensated as men). From Martina to Serena, 6x World Champion Layne Beachley, pioneering big wave charger Kaela Kennedy to Carissa Moore, Mary Lou and the incomparable Simone Biles, Mia Hamm, Danica, Flo-Jo and Jackie Joyner Kersee, and the dominant Rhonda Rousey (and I know I am missing a million others). But this growing momentum above isn’t about just top-of-their-game athletes - but building affinity around women’s team sports, enabling that affinity to transcend individual athletes to teams and leagues. And that creates longevity and continuity, which means growth and ultimately $$. 💥💥 47% of women’s sports fans are dudes, which is about the same percentage of women who consider themselves fans of the NFL. Maybe we get to a place (both in terms of affinity and economics) where it's just, you know, sports. https://lnkd.in/gyRYn79x

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