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From Sports Bars To Big Deals, Women Athletes Are Winning—Yet Pay Gaps Persist

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From Sports Bars To Big Deals, Women Athletes Are Winning—Yet Pay Gaps Persist

Summer 2025 is signaling a remarkable wave of milestones in women’s sports. After a strong-performing 2024 that saw equal representation between women and men at the Olympics for the first time in history as well as standout college stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making their much-anticipated WNBA debuts, women athletes have only continued to build on their momentum. In fact, this year, the growth potential for women athletes is expected to be even more impressive.

Women’s Sports Hit It Out of the Park

According to reporting from Axios, there are now eleven women’s sports bars across the U.S., a significant feat considering there was only one just three years ago. More locations may be on the horizon, as The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, plans to expand into four more U.S. cities. In addition to being a popular place to watch women’s games, many women’s sports bars have developed into robust community hubs that welcome sports fans from all backgrounds.

MLB also recently announced in a press release plans to invest in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). MLB commissioner Robert D. Manfred called the investment “an opportunity to support softball’s long-term growth and expand our engagement with these outstanding athletes and their fans.” This marks MLB’s first-ever partnership with a women’s professional sports league and is expected to accelerate the AUSL’s growth by helping cover operational costs and broadcasting AUSL games on MLB Network.

And just last month, sources told The Athletic that the WNBA’s New York Liberty was estimated to be valued at $450 million, a record-valuation in women’s sports and well over double its estimated valuation just a year ago. Only a few days prior, Chelsea FC Women announced that Alex Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of Serena Williams, bought a minority stake in the club at a price that would value the team at $326 million. In an interview with the BBC, Ohanian stated that the treble-winning club will one day be a “billion-dollar franchise” (Chelsea FC Women is fresh off an undefeated season in the Women’s Super League, won the Women’s League Cup earlier this year, and recently lifted the FA Cup trophy after a 3-0 victory against Manchester United).

Women are also excelling on the international sports stage. In March, Kirsty Coventry was elected as the first woman president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and FIFA just confirmed the expansion of the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for 2031.

Despite Industry Growth, Women Athletes Remain Underpaid

These achievements only scratch the surface of the many ways women’s sports are poised to thrive in summer 2025. It’s no surprise, then, that Deloitte has projected the global value of women’s sports to exceed $2 billion this year. However, unlocking this industry’s full potential will require addressing significant gaps in pay equity.

Despite countless strides forward, women athletes remain severely underpaid, often requiring them to take on outside jobs that limit their time to train and focus on their sport. In its report titled, “Beyond the Game: Exposing the Economic Realities of Professional Women Athletes,” sports marketing and sponsorship platform Parity found that over half of women athletes earn no net income after accounting for sports-related costs, and 74% hold other jobs in addition to having intense training schedules. Gender pay disparities even exist among the highest-paid athletes. Forbes reports that Coco Gauff, the highest-paid woman athlete, falls nearly $20 million short of making its list of the 50 highest-paid athletes for 2025 (a list currently composed entirely of men).

Fueling Success in Women Sports Through Investment and Visibility

From local women’s sports bars to growth on the global stage, the appetite for women’s sports is clear. Unfortunately, much like when this author covered the business wins of women’s sports in 2024, to meet that demand and achieve true pay equity requires increased investment, brand partnerships, and media engagement. Men’s professional sports have had a century-and-a-half-long head start, so naturally, women’s sports have a lot of catching up to do, and while each step forward matters, slowing down isn’t an option. To reach the full potential of women’s sports, we’ll have to pick up the pace.

The good news is, progress is continuing to be made. In addition to the MLB’s investment in the AUSL, others are seizing the opportunity to invest in women’s sports and are cashing in. New ventures, like Ariel Investments’ Project Level, are being created specifically to fund women’s sports initiatives. Brands are also beginning to forge partnerships with men’s and women’s leagues, such as Airbnb’s partnership with both the men’s and women’s Tour de France for the next three years. And CBS Sports recently announced that it has acquired the rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with all matches for this year’s season streaming on Paramount+.

With rising investment, growing fan enthusiasm, and heightened global visibility, the foundation is being laid for a future where women are fully supported both on and off the field. Still, empowering women athletes to reach their full potential depends on closing persistent gaps in pay, media coverage and funding. If this summer is any indication, the world is ready not just to celebrate women’s sports, but to take the next step to ensure women athletes receive the level of recognition, resources, and compensation they have earned.

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Houston Athletics, LLH Healthcare Announce Indoor Track Naming Rights Partnership

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December 12, 2025

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HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics and Live Life Healthy (LLH) Healthcare announced a significant multi-year partnership on Thursday that aligns two brands focused on the health and wellness of their communities. As part of the agreement, LLH Healthcare becomes the official naming rights partner of the Houston indoor track facility, which will now be known as the LLH Healthcare Indoor Track.

This partnership strengthens UH’s commitment to providing student-athletes with world-class resources while highlighting LLH Healthcare’s dedication to advancing health, wellness and innovation across the Greater Houston area.

“We wanted to do something different and outside the box with this partnership with LLH Healthcare,” Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez said. “We believe this collaborative partnership between Houston Athletics and LLH raises the bar for health and wellness in our community and in our athletics department. This partnership also bolsters our historic track and field program and continues to improve the facilities needed for our track and field athletes to compete at their best.”

The LLH Healthcare Indoor Track and Training Center hosts multiple professional, collegiate, high school, youth and all-comers meets every year with thousands of athletes competing at the highest level. Houston’s indoor track was installed ahead of the 2019 season and includes a six-lane, 200-meter banked oval and an eight-lane straightaway for 60-meter hurdles and sprints. The installation also includes two horizontal jump runways with sand pits and two pole vault runways, boxes and pits.

“I’m so excited about the partnership with Live Life Healthy,” Track & Field Head Coach Carl Lewis said. “It’s such an important message to people of all ages, and the support that we’re getting from the community is incredible. This partnership is going to benefit the entire City of Houston, not just the University of Houston.”

Another key component to the partnership includes a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program that will directly support University of Houston student-athletes.  LLH Healthcare will collaborate with selected athletes to promote a “Live Life Healthy” initiative.

“Partnering with the University of Houston reflects exactly who we are: committed to elevating health, performance, and opportunity for the communities we serve,” says Zachary Rogers, CEO of LLH Healthcare. “Under the legendary leadership of Coach Carl Lewis, UH has built a culture defined by speed, discipline, and excellence. The LLH Healthcare Indoor Track and Training Center is more than a name—it’s an investment in Houston’s future and a commitment to supporting student-athletes with the same innovative, preventative-care approach we deliver to employers across the region. We’re proud to stand with UH as they shape tomorrow’s leaders.”

LLH Healthcare provides employees and their families with a preventative health plan that offers zero-cost health benefits.  LLH Healthcare aims to maintain a healthy workforce through a comprehensive approach to health management by utilizing services such as telemedicine, genomics screenings and lab testing, coaching and more.

With this commitment, LLH Healthcare becomes the Official Employee Benefits Partner of Houston Cougar Athletics, as well as a member of the Nantz Leadership Society.

“This is an exciting time for UH Athletics across all of our programs and it’s a privilege to partner with an innovative company like LLH Healthcare on the new renovations for the Indoor Track Facility to enhance our student-athlete experience,” said Shane Hildreth, General Manager of Houston Cougars Sports Properties.

Houston Cougars Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Houston Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Cougars.

About LLH Healthcare
Founded in 2019, LLH Healthcare is where champions choose care.  Our mission is to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health through proactive, preventative care.  With a full suite of telemedicine services, 24/7 virtual access to healthcare professionals, and household-wide coverage – including hospital indemnity benefits – LLH Healthcare supports the everyday wellbeing of those striving to perform at their best.  From the workplace to the playing field, we help build healthier lives for today’s and tomorrow’s champions.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Track and Field by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Podium Club, which provides support directly to Houston Track and Field for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates on #HTownSpeedCity by following @UHCougarTF on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarTF or on the team’s Instagram page at @uhcougartf.





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Huskers Earn 18 Event Titles at the Husker Holiday Open – University of Nebraska

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December 12, 2025

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Lincoln – Nebraska track and field put together a strong showing in the season debut, earning event titles in 18 of the 29 events and setting two new school records at the Husker Holiday Open on Friday.

Highlighting the day, Axelina Johansson opened up her senior campaign breaking the school record and Swedish record in the shot put with a mark of 19.72m (64-8 ½) to win the event title.

Dyson Wicker broke a school record of his own, clearing 5.62m (18-5 ¼), earning the men’s pole vault title. Cade Moran won the men’s shot put title, moving up to fifth in school history with a mark of 20.07m (65-10 ¼). 

Donna Douglas made a strong debut for Nebraska, winning the all-Husker women’s weight throw with a mark of 19.33m (63-5), followed by Hillevi Carlsson (18.38m, 60-3 ¾), Harshita Sehrawat (18.33m, 60-1 ¾), and Sage Burbach (17.60m, 57-9). 

Aspen Fears won the women’s pole vault title, clearing 3.96m (12-11 ¾), and Arina Razina took second with a mark of 3.81m (12-6).

Seth Schnakenberg set a new personal best in the men’s weight throw with a mark of 20.87m (68-5 ¾), earning the event title. Noah Isaia (20.52m, 67-4), Brett Schwartz (20.08m, 65-10 ½), and Gustav Rydaker (19.83m, 65-0 ¾) rounded out the top four.

In the women’s 300m, Abrielle Artley won the event title, running 39.00. Sakena Massiah made her Husker debut, earning a third-place spot, running a 39.93.

Three Husker men made their program debut in the 300m. Emmanuel Rwotomiya finished second with a time of 34.28. Jacorric Allen (34.71, 3rd) and Richard Simpson (34.95, 4th) followed with quality showings for their first races as Huskers.

Elo Blessing Okpah raced as the only Husker in the women’s 60m and took first place with a time of 7.66. Ashriel Dixion also raced solo for the Huskers in the men’s competition and took second with a personal best 6.88.

In the men’s 60m hurdles, Brayden Bergkamp won the event, running a personal best 8.18. Kate Campos kicked off her career as a Husker, winning the women’s 60m with an 8.52.

Alea Hardie took the women’s mile title, running a new personal best of 4:56.18. Jaylee Wingate came in second, finishing with a 5:02.80. On the men’s side, Gabe Nash took the event title, running a 4:15.26. Grant Wasserman came in second with a 4:17.16.

In the men’s 600m, sophomore William McDavid won the event with a 1:20.05. On the women’s side in the 400m, Luciana Medina took second, running 58.12.

Ela Velepec hit a new personal best of 1.83m (6-0) to claim the title in the women’s high jump. Karsyn Leeing came in second, also clearing 1.83m (6-0). Junior, Luke Noland, from Kearney, Mo., took the long jump title at 7.04m (23-1 ¼). 

In the women’s 4×400, the Huskers (Sakena Massiah, Abrielle Artley, Kelsie Belquist, Luciana Medina) won the event title with a 3:43.41. The Husker men (Richard Simpson, James Ledbetter, Jacorric Allen, William McDavid) followed that up with another first-place finish in the men’s 4×400 with a time of 3:15.61.

Desire Tonye-Nyemeck took the men’s high jump title, with an indoor personal best, clearing 2.14m (7-0 ¼).

​​Up next, Nebraska hosts the Graduate Classic Jan. 16-17 at the Devaney Sports Center Indoor Track.

Husker Holiday Event Winners
Donna Douglas (Weight Throw)
Aspen Fears (Pole Vault)
Seth Schnakenberg (Weight Throw)
Abrielle Artley (300m)
Kate Campos (60m Hurdles)
Brayden Bergkamp (60m Hurdles)
Elo Blessing Okpah (60m)
Alea Hardie  (mile)
Gabe Nash (mile)
William McDavid (600m)
Dyson Wicker (pole vault)
Ela Velepec (high jump)
Axelina Johansson (shot put)
Luke Noland (long jump)
Sakena Massiah, Abrielle Artley, Kelsie Belquist, Luciana Medina (4×400)
Richard Simpson, James Ledbetter, Jacorric Allen, William McDavid (4×400)
Desire Tonye-Nyemeck (high jump)
Cade Moran (shot put)



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K-State Track Announces 2026 Season with Four Home Meets

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December 12, 2025

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – The K-State track and field teams will start the 2026 season in the new year as Travis Geopfert, Director of Track and Field/Cross Country, announced the season schedule on Friday (December 12). The season will feature four home meets, at the Cliff Rovelto Indoor Track and R.V. Christian Track.
 
The Wildcats will begin the indoor season on Friday, January 16, with the Thane Baker Invitational. Teams set to compete include Big 10 Champions Oregon, Oklahoma State, BYU Women, Kansas, Wichita State, Northern Iowa and Tulsa. The Wavelight Pacing System will be utilized for the final track events, the 800 meters, mile run and 3,000 meters.
 
Two weeks later K-State will host the DeLoss Dodds Invitational on Friday-Saturday, January 30-31. Participating teams will include Oklahoma, Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, USC, Nebraska and Air Force.
 
The meet will also serve as part of the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Tour featuring six field events showcasing the sports best athletes, including Olympians, World Championship Medalists and NCAA All-Americans. On January 30 there will be four World Athletics events, the women’s pole vault, men’s high jump and men’s and women long jump while the men’s and women’s triple jump will take place on January 31.
 
The Cats will hit the road just once in the regular season for the Tyson Invitational on February 13-14 in Fayetteville, Ark., before hosting the last meet, a tune up for the postseason, the Steve Miller Invitational on Friday, February 20.
 
The Big 12 Championship is back in Lubbock, Texas, on February 27-28 at the Sports Performance Center hosted by Texas Tech. On March 13-14 is the indoor NCAA Championship, where qualifying Wildcats will make a trip back to Fayetteville at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
 
Starting off the outdoor season three weeks later on April 3-4, K-State will fly to Stanford, Calif., for the first time since the 2014 season, for the Stanford Invitational.
 
The team will take back-to-back trips to participate in meets for a consecutive season, the Oregon Team Invitational on April 17-18 in Eugene, Ore., and the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 23-25.
 
The Cats will host one outdoor meet, the Ward Haylett Invitational, on Friday, May 8, prior to the postseason. The Big 12 Championship will take place in Tucson, Ariz., hosted by Arizona for the first time, on May 14-16 at Drachman Stadium.
 
The NCAA West Preliminary takes the team back to Fayetteville, Ark., on May 27-30 as Wildcats look to qualify for the NCAA Championship from June 10-13 back in Eugene at Hayward Field.
 

2025-26 Track & Field Schedule
Indoor Season
Jan. 16               Thane Baker Invitational
Jan. 30-31          DeLoss Dodds Invitational
Feb. 13-14          Tyson Invitational
Feb. 20               Steve Miller Invitational
Feb. 27-28          Big 12 Championship
Mar. 13-14          NCAA Championship
 
Outdoor Season
Apr. 3-4              Stanford Invitational
Apr. 17-18          Oregon Team Invitational
Apr. 23-25          Drake Relays
May 8                 Ward Haylett Invitational
May 14-16          Big 12 Championship
May 27-30          NCAA West Preliminary
June 10-13         NCAA Championship
 
 

— k-statesports.com —

 
How to follow the ‘Cats: For complete information on the K-State Track and Field and Cross Country Teams, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team’s social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.





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Indiana volleyball falls to Texas in regional semifinals, ends NCAA Tournament run

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December 12, 2025

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Indiana volleyball’s historic season came to an end Friday against the University of Texas at Austin in the NCAA Tournament regional semifinals. The Hoosiers were swept by the Longhorns at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Texas, to finish their season with 25-8 overall record. 

Senior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles led Indiana’s offensive efforts with 13 kills in the match off a .195 hitting percentage. Freshman outside hitter Jaidyn Jager recorded nine kills, while freshman middle blocker Victoria Gray had eight. 

While Texas claimed the opening point in the first game, Indiana kept it close in the starting moments. The Hoosiers had a serve to tie the game at five points, but the Longhorns responded with a kill from freshman outside hitter Cari Spears.  

Texas then went on a run to take a 9-5 lead over Indiana. The Hoosiers continued to chip into the Longhorns’ lead, but Texas overpowered Indiana, going on a 4-0 run later in the set to take a 14-8 lead. Junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford had a hand in each of the four points during the run.  

Indiana pulled within two points after a 6-2 run in the first game put it behind Texas 16-14. While the Hoosiers stayed within reach of the Longhorns until late in the set, they couldn’t gain enough momentum to swing the game in their favor. Indiana struggled to stop Stafford, as she scored eight points off six kills, two blocks and a service ace in Texas’ 25-20 set win.  

In the second set, the Hoosiers once again kept it close until the Longhorns were able to string together a 4-1 run in the middle of the game to take a 12-8 lead. Texas’ defense was suffocating for Indiana’s typically powerful offense, as the Longhorns recorded five blocks in the second set.  

Texas extended its advantage to six points, and while Indiana pulled within two points after a 5-1 run, it wasn’t enough to overturn the Longhorns, who won the set 25-22. Through two sets, Texas held Indiana to just a .177 hitting percentage compared to the Longhorns’ .365 hitting percentage. 

The Hoosiers fell behind early in the third set, allowing the Longhorns to get off on an 11-5 lead. However, Indiana dug into the deficit. A 6-2 Indiana run later in the set tied the game at 18 points, leading Texas to call a timeout.  

Following the timeout, the Longhorns scored two straight points to regain their lead and carried their advantage to the end of the set, picking up another 25-22 win. 

Indiana struggled to contain Stafford throughout the contest, as she recorded 22.5 points off 19 kills, four blocks and a service ace. She ended the match with a .679 hitting percentage.  

With the loss to Texas, Indiana finished its season with a 25-8 overall record with a 14-6 mark in the Big Ten. It marked the most wins and fewest losses in a single season in program history for Indiana. 





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No. 3 Volleyball sweeps No. 15 Indiana to move on to Regional Final in NCAA Tournament

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December 12, 2025

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AUSTIN, Texas. — The No. 3 Texas Volleyball team rolled past No. 15 Indiana (25-20, 25-22, 25-22) to advance to the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament. In the last 20 regional semifinal appearances, the Longhorns have advanced to 18 NCAA Regional Finals, 12 National Semifinals and eight National Championship matches. 

Junior Torrey Stafford became just the second Longhorn since 2013 to reach 500 kills in a season and first since Madisen Skinner in 2023 who finished with 547. Stafford also reached 700 career digs (705) with eight on the day along with four blocks, which tied her season high. The outside hitter recorded a .679 hitting percentage, marking her season high. In addition, Stafford became the sole Longhorn since 2013 to register 500 kills and 250 digs in the same season. 

Texas put up .374 hitting percentage as a team, while limiting Indiana to .217. Freshman Cari Spears totaled eight kills and three digs while hitting .312. Middle blocker Nya Bunton recorded seven kills and five blocks, while outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein registered seven kills and season-high four blocks. Sophomore Ayden Ames contributed six of the 12 total blocks for the Longhorns, along with three kills. Libero Ramsey Gary reached 200 digs at Texas (201) with three while facing her former team. 

Set One: Texas extended the lead with a 4-0 run to 14-8 in the first set against the Hoosiers, taking the set 25-20. Stafford totaled six kills while hitting .750, with Bunton putting up three blocks amongst Texas’ four in set one. The Longhorns hit .323 while limiting Indiana to only .162 and one block. 

Set Two: The Longhorns won the second set 25-22. Texas put up five team blocks, with Ames leading the charge with four. Stafford recorded nine kills while hitting .818, with Ella Swindle contributing 11 of her 30 assists. 

Set Three: Texas completed the sweep over the Hoosiers with a  25-22 set three win. Lauenstein (6) and Bunton (5) combined for 11 kills for the Longhorns. Bunton hit perfect during the final set of the match (5-for-5). 

Texas will face the winner between No. 5 Stanford and No. 10 Wisconsin in the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament. The game time is TBD for either 2:30 pm CT on ABC or 6:30 pm CT on ESPN. 



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ASU volleyball’s NCAA tournament run ends in Sweet 16

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December 12, 2025

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Updated Dec. 11, 2025, 3:26 p.m. MT



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