Cynthia Cooper #14, Guard for the Houston Comets dribbles the basketball down court and drives for … [+]
The landscape of professional sports is shaped significantly by the ownership models of leagues. In men’s sports, traditional franchise-based ownership models have driven the massive valuations and rapid growth we see in leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. However, women’s sports, while growing exponentially, face ownership structures that are often more restrictive and less flexible. These differences raise an important question: Are the ownership models in women’s sports the best path forward for long-term growth, or is it time to rethink how women’s leagues are structured for the future?
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Andy Reid and owner Clark Hunt of the Kansas City … [+]
The ownership models in U.S. major men’s sports leagues have been established for decades, creating a clear path to massive financial success and scalability. Here’s a breakdown of the structure:
In these men’s leagues, the multi-entity model offers flexibility, enabling diverse sources of capital, driving team valuations into the billions, and allowing for significant influence over league negotiations, such as broadcasting rights and global sponsorship deals. While this model comes with a high barrier to entry, it has undeniably supported scalability and wealth generation.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 16: Chairman, CEO and Portfolio Manager Chris Long and co-owners … [+]
When comparing this to women’s leagues, there’s a stark contrast in how ownership structures are designed and the types of opportunities available for investors.
NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League)
PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League)
LPGA & WTA
GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 07: Kelsey Stewart-Hunter #77 waits in the on-deck circle as … [+]
While most women’s leagues follow traditional or restrictive ownership models, leagues like Unrivaled Basketball and Athletes Unlimited are introducing player-owned and player-centric models that offer a fresh perspective on sports ownership.
BELLEAIR, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Caitlin Clark, professional basketball player, and Nelly Korda of … [+]
The ownership structures in women’s leagues could pose a significant challenge for their scalability and growth. While the multi-entity model in men’s leagues has allowed for explosive growth and large-scale financial success, women’s leagues are still grappling with models that either limit individual ownership (PWHL) or fail to give investors direct control over growth strategy (LPGA, WTA).
So, what does this mean for the future of women’s sports?
LAVAL, CANADA – DECEMBER 04: Sarah Fillier #10 of the New York Sirens celebrates her goal with … [+]
As women’s sports continue to gain popularity, the question of ownership structure becomes crucial to their growth. The traditional franchise models seen in men’s leagues have undoubtedly contributed to the rise of major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Yet, the restrictive and centralized ownership models in women’s sports leagues may limit their potential for growth, scalability, and financial success.
While new, player-centric models such as those in Unrivaled Basketball and Athletes Unlimited are breaking new ground and offer an exciting vision of athlete empowerment, they still face challenges in scalability. Women’s leagues may benefit from blending traditional and innovative ownership models, allowing for more flexibility in investment while ensuring that athletes have a direct stake in the league’s success.
Ultimately, the future of women’s sports will hinge on finding a balance between flexible ownership, financial scalability, and athlete empowerment—creating an environment where women’s leagues can not only compete with, but surpass men’s leagues in equity, opportunity, and growth.
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