By Tyler Lau
Sports Editor
Women’s sports are thriving. The quality and intensity of play, and the competitiveness of women’s sports are on the rise with no signs of slowing down. With women’s sports making drastic strides, consumers of the sports world must give female-identifying athletes the recognition they deserve.
In the historic summer of 2023, female athletes went on a record-breaking streak. On July 14, WNBA New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu scored 37 points in the WNBA three-point contest, shattering NBA players Stephen Curry and Tyrese Haliburton’s previous records of 31 points. American swimmer Katie Ledecky won her 16th individual swimming world title on July 29, passing Michael Phelps for the most individual swimming titles. On Aug. 30, the University of Nebraska volleyball team set the record for the largest attendance at a women’s sporting event with 92,003 fans attending a match against the Omaha Mavericks.
Women’s sports are blossoming, breaking records left and right, but the one thing holding them back is viewership. Sports and their major leagues are successful because of fan support. Large audiences bring in television contracts, sponsorships and ticket sales. Without revenue from these sources, leagues cannot expand and grow, reach new audiences or pay their players desired wages. Smaller audiences allow for less television time and exposure.
If you consider yourself a sports fan, an advocate for gender equality or a feminist, tune into the next WNBA game. Stay up to date with the Women’s World Cup and female NCAA athletics. Attend the next TCHS girls volleyball, tennis or golf games and support our athletes. Give women’s sports the support they need to continue their strides of brilliance.