In recent years, women’s sports have experienced tremendous growth—in viewership, attendance, sponsorship, and cultural impact. But behind every successful league or team, ownership plays a critical role in shaping the future. That’s why the rise of female owners in women’s sports is not just symbolic—it’s transformative.
Why Ownership Matters
Team owners don’t just write checks. They set the tone for a franchise’s values, invest in long-term success, hire key personnel, and influence league-wide decisions. In a historically male-dominated industry, the presence of women at the ownership level ensures that women’s perspectives and priorities are built into the very foundation of sports organizations. This leads to more thoughtful policies around equity, family leave, player safety, marketing, and community engagement.
When women are in charge, the conversation shifts—from simply proving that women’s sports matter to innovating how they grow, how athletes are supported, and how fans are engaged.
Trailblazing Female Owners
Several standout women have helped reshape the sports landscape by investing in and leading women’s teams:
- Jessica Berman (Commissioner of the NWSL): While not an owner, her leadership has helped cultivate a league culture that prioritizes both competitive excellence and player wellness.
- Naomi Osaka (Co-owner, North Carolina Courage, NWSL): The tennis superstar brought global attention and advocacy for mental health to the league. Her presence is a powerful message to young women about using their platform and investing in each other.
- Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian (Investors, Angel City FC): Serena’s involvement in women’s soccer—alongside other high-profile women like Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, and Abby Wambach—helped make Angel City FC one of the most progressive and buzzworthy franchises in sports.
- Renata Simril (President & CEO, LA84 Foundation and key figure in youth sports equity): While not a team owner, she exemplifies how women in leadership contribute to a pipeline of opportunity in sports.
Why This Matters for the Future
Women owners often bring a more holistic and inclusive approach to running a team. They understand the importance of:
- Representation: Seeing women in charge inspires the next generation of leaders, not just players.
- Investment in community: Many women-owned teams go beyond the scoreboard, focusing on youth programs, equity initiatives, and grassroots development.
- Long-term vision: Rather than chasing quick profits, women owners tend to be mission-driven, building sustainable, ethical models for growth.
Additionally, female ownership disrupts long-standing norms and opens the door for more diverse investors—including women of color and younger entrepreneurs—to have a stake in shaping the sports industry.
Sending a Message
Women owning women’s sports teams is more than a milestone—it’s a movement. It sends a clear message that women’s sports are worthy of serious investment, bold leadership, and visionary thinking. These owners aren’t just supporting teams; they’re helping rewrite the rules of the sports world.
As this trend continues, we can expect not only more visibility for women’s sports—but also more innovation, more opportunity, and more lasting change.
Learn more at: https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/slideshow/2667624/celebrity-women-who-own-sports-teams/
Virginia Halas McCaskey: A Life Dedicated to Football and Chicago
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!