For decades, sports have been largely shaped, broadcasted, and analyzed through a male-dominated perspective—from the way games are covered in the media to which athletes receive the most attention. But what if we flipped that script? What if we looked at sports through a women’s lens—one that prioritizes different values, storytelling, and perspectives?
Would we focus less on brute strength and more on strategy and teamwork? Would the biggest sports stars be those who lead with grace and resilience, rather than just pure dominance? Would we highlight different achievements, structure competitions differently, or celebrate the game in new ways?
Here’s what sports might look like when viewed through the perspective of women—from the way we play to how we are celebrated.
Less Focus on Power, More Focus on Skill and Strategy
Men’s sports often prioritize speed, strength, and physical dominance. The hardest hit, the longest home run, or the fastest sprint gets the most attention. Through a woman’s lens, however, we might celebrate different qualities:
- Precision over power – Instead of glorifying the hardest dunk, we might admire the smartest pass, the most creative play, or the best team chemistry.
- Endurance over explosiveness – Instead of the fastest sprinter, we might emphasize the grit and longevity required for marathoners, endurance cyclists, or multi-day competitions.
- Tactical intelligence over brute force – Chess-like strategy in soccer, basketball, or football might get more recognition than just physicality.
While strength and speed will always be valued, a women-focused perspective might bring more balance, ensuring that the mental and strategic sides of sports get their due credit.
A More Holistic Approach to Athleticism
If sports were viewed primarily through a woman’s lens, the definition of athleticism might be broader. Today, men’s sports often focus on explosiveness, peak power, and highlight-reel moments, while women’s sports tend to emphasize technical skill, endurance, and adaptability. We might see:
More appreciation for versatility – Athletes who excel in multiple disciplines (e.g., a basketball player who thrives in offense and defense, or a runner who dominates multiple distances) might be celebrated more.
Recognition of resilience – Stories of athletes overcoming adversity, battling injuries, or balancing personal and professional lives might get as much coverage as their on-field stats.
A focus on well-rounded health – Instead of only discussing injuries and recovery, sports could highlight nutrition, mental health, and longevity in careers.
Athletic greatness would not just be about who is the fastest or strongest today but also about who thrives over time, adapts, and sustains excellence.
More Emphasis on Community and Teamwork
Many women’s sports naturally emphasize team play, communication, and shared leadership. If sports were primarily viewed through a women’s perspective, we might see:
Greater focus on teamwork – Instead of glorifying individual superstars, the spotlight might shine on the collective effort that leads to championships.
Celebration of leadership in all forms – Captains and veteran players who uplift younger teammates, provide emotional support, and lead by example might get more credit.
More international recognition – Global competitions (like the Women’s World Cup or Olympic events) might receive as much attention as domestic leagues, recognizing the global unity sports create.
Rather than focusing on the one player who dominates, a women-centered perspective might emphasize the group that elevates the sport together.
A Different Kind of Sports Media Coverage
Sports media has long focused on male-driven narratives, often emphasizing rivalries, aggression, and record-breaking performances. Through a women’s lens, coverage might evolve to highlight:
Deeper storytelling – Instead of just “who won and lost,” more focus on why a game mattered, how an athlete got to this stage, and what obstacles they overcame.
More emotional connection – Post-game interviews might not just focus on stats but also on the personal meaning of victories and struggles.
Cultural and social impact – The ways in which sports affect gender equality, youth participation, and representation in leadership might receive more focus.
This wouldn’t mean eliminating competition or excitement—it would mean expanding the conversation beyond the scoreboard.
More Inclusive and Accessible Sporting Structures
Women’s sports have historically been underfunded and overlooked, yet they’ve continued to grow despite these challenges. If sports were built with a woman’s perspective from the start, we might see:
Equal pay and funding – Women’s leagues receiving the same investment, marketing, and resources as men’s.
Improved youth opportunities – Girls getting the same access to coaching, facilities, and scholarships from a young age.
More family-friendly scheduling – Games scheduled with considerations for working parents, diverse audiences, and community engagement.
The idea wouldn’t be to take away from men’s sports, but to level the playing field so both men’s and women’s sports are equally valued.
Elevating Women as Role Models in Sports
Imagine a world where young athletes idolize female sports stars just as much as male ones. In a world where sports were primarily viewed through a woman’s lens, we might see:
More female coaches, commentators, and executives – Women taking leadership roles in sports organizations, analysis, and decision-making.
Equal media coverage – Women’s championships and historic performances receiving as much primetime coverage as men’s.
A shift in fan culture – Fans celebrating women’s achievements not as a niche interest, but as an essential and exciting part of the sports world.
If the playing field were truly equal, we’d see Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and Katie Ledecky celebrated just as widely as LeBron James, Tom Brady, or Lionel Messi.
A More Balanced Future for Sports
Seeing sports through a woman’s lens doesn’t mean changing the rules or taking anything away from men’s sports—it means broadening the conversation, recognizing different types of greatness, and ensuring that all athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
Sports thrive when diverse perspectives are valued, and shifting the focus from just power and dominance to include strategy, resilience, teamwork, and equality can only make sports richer, more inclusive, and more exciting for everyone.
By embracing a more balanced view, we don’t just change how sports are watched—we change how we play, how we are celebrated, and who gets to be a part of the game.
Learn more at: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
Alexis Ohanian: Champion for Women’s Sports Inspired by Family Values
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!