How access and exposure are fueling growth for women’s sports

Women’s sports are reaching new heights in popularity. So, what’s behind that surge – and how can women’s sports continue to grow and evolve?

Guest: Tangela Cheatham, deputy athletic director for administration at Central Michigan University.

Summary

In this episode of The Search Bar, Tangela Cheatham, deputy athletic director for administration at Central Michigan University, discusses the rise in popularity of women's sports. She highlights the impact of athletes like Caitlin Clark in women's basketball and the increased exposure and access provided by social media. Cheatham emphasizes the importance of representation and the value it holds for young girls and women. She also discusses the need for continued support and advocacy to ensure the growth and success of women's sports. The conversation touches on pay parity, the role of intentionality in organizations, and the future of women's sports.

00:00 Introduction
01:06 How has the “Caitlin Clark Effect” impacted women’s sports?
04:10 How important is access and exposure in growing women’s sports?
10:19 How does women’s college basketball benefit from not having the “one and done” rule?
13:11 How are college athletics departments making positive, intentional changes?
16:28 How do we address the gender pay gap in sports?
19:30 What’s the value of representation for young girls in sports?
27:04 What intentional change is happening in women’s college sports?
28:39 How do we keep the momentum going for women’s sports?