On a historic day for sports broadcasting, the New England Sports Network (NESN) made waves with the first female duo women's broadcast booth for a Red Sox game, a milestone that not only celebrates women in sports but also paves the way for future generations aspiring to break into the industry. Emma Tiedemann and Rylee Pay broke barriers as they took their place in the booth on Monday night. This groundbreaking moment wasn't just an isolated event; it was the product of visionary women at NESN, brought to life through meticulous planning and execution by the network’s Women of NESN (WON) group.
A Vision Realized: Women Leading the Way
This initiative didn't happen overnight. The seeds were planted in the early part of 2024, when NESN broadcasted the Women's Dunkin' Beanpot Championship with a female-led production team and all-women broadcasters. This moment marked the official launch of the WON brand, which has since become a driving force in ensuring women’s stories and voices find a permanent home in New England sports.
The first female duo broadcast at the Red Sox game was quarterbacked by this same group, whose mission is to spotlight female contributions to the sports industry. Their goal was clear: to amplify women’s voices in an arena where they have long been underrepresented. Through collaboration, passion, and dedication, they ideated and executed an event that will forever be remembered in Boston sports history.
A Legacy Born in the Beanpot
This groundbreaking Red Sox game follows NESN’s similarly significant move earlier in 2024, when they broadcasted the Women's Dunkin' Beanpot Championship with an all-female crew. The Women of NESN group spearheaded that production, which resonated with fans and highlighted the value of women’s contributions to the sports landscape.
That first venture was more than a one-time event; it was the foundation of something larger. The Beanpot broadcast showed the public and aspiring sports professionals that women could successfully lead a high-profile production. It also proved that audiences are ready and eager to see women at the forefront of sports media.
The group’s dedication to amplifying female voices continues to shape the culture at NESN and across the broader sports community. Their initiatives have shattered ceilings, showing that women are not just part of the conversation—they’re driving it.
Impact on Women in Sports Media
The importance of these milestones cannot be overstated. For women looking to break into sports broadcasting, seeing an all-women booth in one of the country’s most beloved sports franchises is not just inspiring—it’s life-changing. This moment provides tangible evidence that there are pathways for women in sports broadcasting, both in front of and behind the camera.
For young girls and aspiring journalists who have long been told that sports is a “man’s world,” the Women of NESN have redefined that narrative. By continuing to lead, innovate, and execute events like the Beanpot and Red Sox games, they are creating a future where women’s voices are not only welcomed but celebrated.
What's next for WON
I have been incredibly fortunate to spearhead the WON as their executive chair over the last three years. This group continues to inspire and motivate as they recognize that the work her is never done. The WON group has already made an incredible impact by amplifying women’s voices in sports, but the journey is far from over. As part of their mission to empower and support women across all sports and the broader industry, WON is taking two major steps forward to ensure that the momentum continues.
1) Growing Women's Sports: Doubling Down on Investment
One of WON’s top priorities is to continue the growth of women’s sports. This means telling more stories, airing more games, and ensuring women athletes and broadcasters receive the visibility they deserve. To show their commitment, WON has pledged to reinvest a portion of any sponsorship dollars directly back into women’s sports. This investment will help fund more game broadcasts and storytelling opportunities, further elevating the platform for women in sports media.
2) Empowering the Next Generation: Launching the Emerging Talent Rotational Program
To ensure the future of women in sports broadcasting remains bright, WON is also focusing on career development opportunities for young women. I am thrilled to announce, on behalf of the WON team, the launch of our Emerging Talent Rotational Program.
This 12-month role is designed for college students or recent graduates who are driven to pursue careers as on-air talent. Participants will receive hands-on experience and mentorship across multiple departments at NESN, including Production, Content, Operations, and Social Media. This rotational program will not only provide practical skills but also help build a network and career foundation for the next generation of women looking to make their mark in the industry.
The future is bright for women in sports, and WON is proud to lead the way in empowering and supporting these talented individuals.
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