Two esteemed female athletes, Ibtihaj Muhammad and A’ja Wilson, took the stage at the TIME100 Summit and delivered a powerful message: the United States must prioritize investment in women’s sports. Muhammad, an Olympic medalist in fencing and an advocate for social justice, expressed her desire to see major corporations step up and support women’s sports and athletes. Wilson, an Olympic gold medalist in basketball and a WNBA champion, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for female athletes.
Their discussion came at a time when the disparity in pay between male and female athletes has been brought to the forefront. Just days prior, basketball phenom Te’a Cooper was selected first overall in the WNBA draft with a salary of $338,056 over four years. While this represents a significant improvement from previous years, it still falls far short of the salaries earned by their male counterparts in the NBA.
However, the conversation also acknowledged the positive strides that have been made in recent times. The NCAA’s lifting of its ban on college athletes earning money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) has opened up new financial opportunities for female athletes. Wilson, who would have benefited greatly from these NIL rules had she been in college today, expressed her disbelief at the thought of having an agent while still competing at the collegiate level.
Beyond financial concerns, both Muhammad and Wilson highlighted the importance of protecting mental health for young athletes. Wilson emphasized the need to prioritize personal well-being, stating that one’s brand and success should stem from a foundation of inner peace. Muhammad, who faced intense scrutiny and political questions during her Olympic journey, echoed this sentiment, expressing her wish that Team USA had provided better preparation for such moments.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by female athletes, Muhammad and Wilson also praised the resilience and determination of young women in sports. They urged fans to show their support by attending games, purchasing merchandise, and investing in the success of these athletes. Muhammad, a lifelong fan of women’s basketball, shared her own experiences attending New York Liberty games with her family.
The TIME100 Summit brings together influential individuals from around the world to discuss solutions and drive positive change. This year’s summit featured a diverse range of speakers, including Muhammad, Wilson, and other notable figures such as actor Elliot Page, designer Tory Burch, author Margaret Atwood, and former Secretary of State John Kerry.
