Women's sports has overcome a mixture of misogyny, intolerance, and arrogance to finally receive the attention it so richly deserves. There will always be some weekend warrior male who claims that men in a sport are better than the women in that same sport as proof positive of the superiority of men.
The good news is that progress is being made, and the better news is that iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment announced the inaugural lineup of original podcast shows for WSAN, the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports – from soccer and basketball to tennis, golf, volleyball and more – featuring top athletes and personalities at the helm. Additionally, Capital One, e.l.f Cosmetics and e.l.f SKIN join as the founding partners of the new network.
Along with a slate of new shows, on June 18th, WSAN will launch regular “Women’s Sports Reports” across iHeartMedia’s industry-leading broadcast radio stations nationwide, marking a landmark moment in bringing more equitable media coverage to women’s sports for the first time. At a time when the demand and interest in women’s sports have never been higher, iHeartMedia’s commitment to women’s sports will level the playing field in coverage, as iHeart is uniquely prepared to maximize exposure nationwide. iHeartMedia will flip the switch for the “Women’s Sports Reports” live at the Cannes Lions Festival in France, where Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment will host the Women’s Sports House, in partnership with Axios.
The Women’s Sports House is part of TN50, a dedicated content platform and thought leadership series from Axios and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment that explores the dollars and decisions required to drive “The Next 50” (TN50) years in women’s sports. The event includes three days of dedicated programming exploring the future of business, leadership, creativity and talent within women's sports for the next 50 years.
“We’re committed to championing incredible athletes and building further awareness until women’s sports reaches the kind of nationwide and international prominence it has always deserved,” said Gayle Troberman, CMO of iHeartMedia. “It’s humbling and inspiring that the first-ever, dedicated women’s sports reports will start airing with the massive reach of iHeart’s broadcast radio platform and the full-on power of collaboration between world-class athletes, incredible journalists, podcasters and the fans. This is a pivotal moment for women’s sports to get heard.”
“Women's sports aren't just having a moment, it is the moment. And yet women's sports content continues to be difficult to find and difficult to buy,” said Laura Correnti, Founder and CEO, Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment. “The Women's Sports Audio Network aims to change that -- providing an accessible platform for every fan, from the most casual to biggest of super fans, to be educated and entertained while expanding the aperture of investment opportunities for brands to reach and engage with a dialed-in women's sports community."
The launch of the first-ever women’s sports audio network comes at a time when investment and viewership numbers for women’s sports are on the rise. This year, elite women’s sports are currently expected to become a $1 billion industry, representing a 300% increase in just three years, while in the US, women's sports still only receive 15% of media coverage. By partnering with iHeart as founding partners, Capital One, e.l.f Cosmetics and e.l.f SKIN will directly impact the rise in women’s sports coverage.
“As long-standing supporters of women’s sports, both on the collegiate and professional level, we are excited to build on these efforts by partnering with iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment to increase access to women’s sports content and help raise the profile of these amazing athletes,” said Cindy Epley, Vice President of Brand Media Strategy and Investment at Capital One.
“Standing with every eye, lip and face means supporting the community all day, every day. Our support is especially prominent where we see the underrepresentation of women, both as athletes and in the surrounding content. So, we are taking over the mic to change the conversation,” said Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty. “It’s important to normalize positivity, inclusivity and accessibility so that equity becomes our strongest muscle. That’s how the next generation gains increasing strength to dream big and achieve their highest vision.”
The Women’s Sports Audio Network will spotlight and celebrate the athletes who move, entertain and inspire in the game and in their personal lives, with hosts including hockey stars Madison Packer and Anya Packer, tennis Grand Slam winner Rennae Stubbs, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, and golf media personality Tisha Alyn, as well as revered personalities Khristina Williams and Sarah Spain.
Launching July 17, Good Game with Sarah Spain is the one-stop shop every weekday for the biggest stories in women’s sports. Along with breaking news and interviews, Sarah will be regularly joined by a roster of guests -- athletes, coaches, reporters, celebrity fans and more -- to talk about the games listeners can’t miss and debate the issues of the day. From the play on the court to the drama off it, "Good Game" will give listeners what they need to know every day in women's sports.
Basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes is not just a four-time WNBA champion, three-time Olympic gold medalist, Hall-of-Famer and first female athlete to have a Nike shoe named after her; she’s also the realest in the game. Listeners can join her to have the hard conversations, about basketball, motherhood, retirement, mental health and much more.
Pro golfer and media personality Tisha Alyn extends her influence into audio with a podcast on her personal take on everything from what’s happening in women’s golf to other areas like fitness, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and LGBTQ culture. Tisha is here to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Professional hockey all-star Madison Packer, who plays in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), is joined by her wife and former pro hockey player Anya Packer to discuss life on and off the ice and debate which is more grueling: a career in hockey or raising two kids under three.
Listeners can join hosts Rennae Stubbs, a tennis great, and “Racquet” magazine co-founder Caitlin Thompson as they talk to their friends and favorite tennis players about life, love and sometimes even tennis - bringing the experience of six Grand Slam titles to the mic.
WNBA insider Khristina Williams will break down the biggest stories in women’s basketball on this podcast every week, bringing listeners the inside scoop on what’s trending around the leagues and sitting down for exclusive interviews with the biggest names in the women’s game.
“League One Volleyball's Serving Pancakes” will dig into the perspectives, memories and never-before-told stories from the people making the biggest impact on global volleyball and women's sports, as well as unfiltered analysis and authentic conversations about the game itself.
Show launch dates will be coming soon, with more talent to be announced.
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