In recent years, the popularity of women’s sports has reached new heights…
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) – Women’s sports have reached new heights of popularity in recent years, with big names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Simone Biles making headlines.
This year’s Olympics also saw a significant increase in the number of female athletes competing.
Experts say access to women’s sports today is the main reason.
“After the Paris Olympics…this is the first time we’ve had an equal number of male and female athletes,” said Tangela Cheatham, assistant director of track and field administration at Central Michigan University.
She also says the way people consume content online is also a factor.
“I think a lot of it has to do with increased access to social media,” she says.
One example is the influence female basketball player Caitlin Clark has had on the popularity of women’s basketball (also known as the Caitlin Clark effect).
And Cheatham says this increased momentum could be due to media consumption habits.
“The 24-hour news cycle has changed the way news is told, but it has also allowed women athletes and their stories to be exposed, accessed and shared,” she said.
He also said the NFL and NBA have seen a significant increase in the number of women in management positions in traditionally male-dominated roles.
Today, there are more opportunities for women to play active roles in sports beyond their elementary school and high school years.
“You don’t have to stop in elementary school or middle school and you can become a Division I athlete. And now there are more professional athletes in sports for women,” she said.
She also pointed out that the pay gap between men and women in sports is still alive and well, and with more advertisers coming on board and more brand partnerships with female athletes, it’s likely that it won’t get any better in the near future. He said he hopes to see changes.
