A summer of TV sports herstory just happened and it will be interesting to see if change is permanent. Women’s sports took off in unprecendented ways in the summer of 2023. Let’s take a look:

Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kissed women soccer  players who had just won the 2023 Women’s World Cup. His stunning  behavior detracted from Spain’s historic win and the team’s amazing  play. Each month, we learn more about harassment in women’s sports at  all levels. This incident will keep that light shining bright. Rubiales has lost his power. 

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The 2023 WNBA season was its most-watched in 21 years, with games broadcast on ABC, CBS, ESPN and ESPN2.  Gone are the days when women basketball coaches wore skirts and heels. Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve’s feminist t-shirts worn during games include the sayings: Protect Trans Kids;, Dear Strong Women: You Art Not Intimidating, They Are Intimidated – There is a Difference; Ban These (assault rifles), Not These (books); and Put Women’s Sports on TV.

Fifty years ago, Billie Jean King fought for equal prize money for women winners at the U.S. Open. Coco Gauff collected $3 million for her win and women’s play drew larger TV audiences than the men’s. King is 79 years old and appears at events around the world (but mostly in the U.S.) to ensure her legacy of equality and opportunity.

A summer of TV sports herstory was capped by champions returning to competition! Olympian and world champ gymnast Simone Biles and tennis phenom Naomi Osaka announced this summer they would return from their chosen breaks from competition. The impact of their actions and statements about mental health and competition have begun changing views on the toll of competition.