Empowering Women in Sports: A Celebration of Milestones and Future Generations

Yesterday marked International Women’s Day, a perfect moment to reflect on the incredible progress women’s sports have made and the work done to support women in their athletic careers. The rise in viewership and fan engagement across women’s sports in the US shows a clear shift in how audiences value female athletes and their achievements. This post highlights some of those milestones, the personal journey of supporting women in sports, and the meaningful experience of sharing these moments with the next generation.

A young girl watching women's hockey on television, inspired by the sport

Growing Audience for Women’s Sports

Women’s sports have reached new heights in popularity and viewership in 2025. Nielsen reported a staggering 46 billion minutes consumed across TV, streaming, and out-of-home platforms. This growth reflects not only the quality of competition but also the increasing recognition of women’s sports as a major part of the athletic landscape.

Some key highlights from the past year include:

• The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game between the USA and Canada averaged 5.3 million viewers on USA Network and Peacock, peaking at 7.7 million. This was the most-watched women’s hockey game in history.

• NBCUniversal’s Winter Olympics weekday coverage, led by Alysa Liu’s figure skating gold and U.S. Women’s Hockey, averaged 26.7 million viewers, the highest since 2014.

• The 2025 WNBA season set records with an average of 1.3 million viewers across 25 regular-season games, a 6% increase year-over-year, and 1.2 million viewers across 24 postseason games, up 5%. The full season was consumed for over 220 million hours, a 16% increase.

• NCAA women’s basketball averaged 280,000 viewers during the 2024-2025 regular season, the highest since 2008-2009.

• The 2025 NCAA Women’s College World Series finals averaged 2.2 million viewers.

• The 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament coverage averaged 666,000 viewers across 15 matches, up 13% year-over-year.

  
  

These numbers show a clear upward trend in interest and support for women’s sports, reflecting broader cultural shifts and the hard work of athletes, broadcasters, and advocates.

Supporting Women’s Careers and Creating Opportunities

Behind these impressive statistics is the work of many individuals committed to advancing women’s sports. One initiative I'm incredibly proud of, has been the creation of WON (Women of NESN). This platform focuses on showcasing women’s sports, providing dedicated coverage, and creating a space where female athletes receive the attention they deserve.

Securing the rights to broadcast the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) on NESN was another significant step I had a hand in during my career at NESN. This deal not only brings top-tier women’s hockey to a wider audience but also helps build a sustainable professional league that offers female athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level and earn a living from their sport.

These efforts are about more than just broadcasting games. They are about building careers, inspiring young athletes, and changing perceptions about women’s sports. By providing consistent, high-quality coverage, these platforms help normalize women’s sports as a major part of the sports world.

A Personal Connection: Watching the Women’s Hockey Olympics with My Daughter

One of the most meaningful moments came from watching the women’s hockey Olympic games with my daughter, Janice. Seeing her eyes light up as she watched these incredible athletes compete was a reminder of why this work matters. It’s about giving the next generation role models they can relate to and aspire to be.

For Janice, watching the USA vs. Canada gold medal game was more than entertainment. It was a chance to witness history and feel connected to a community of strong, talented women. This experience planted seeds of confidence and ambition that will grow as she pursues her own dreams.

The Road Ahead for Women’s Sports

The momentum behind women’s sports is undeniable, but there is still work to be done. Continued investment in coverage, support for professional leagues, and opportunities for young athletes will help sustain this growth. It’s also crucial to keep telling stories that highlight the dedication, skill, and passion of female athletes.

By celebrating these milestones and sharing them with future generations, we help ensure that women’s sports continue to thrive and inspire. The progress made so far shows what is possible when talent meets opportunity and support.