Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the recent WNBA draft, is facing allegations from Ice Cube and his business partner, Jeff Kwatinetz, that her management team deliberately undermined a $10 million offer from the Big 3 basketball league. Clark’s agents, meanwhile, have denied these claims. The situation highlights the ongoing rivalry between the NBA and the Big 3, with Cube using this opportunity to criticize the NBA’s influence on women’s sports.
At the TIME100 Summit, Olympic gold medalists Ibtihaj Muhammad and A’ja Wilson emphasized the need for increased investment in women’s sports in the United States. Muhammad, an Olympic medalist in fencing, called for major corporations to support women’s sports, while Wilson, an Olympic gold medalist in basketball, highlighted the importance of fair compensation for female athletes. The discussion highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the NCAA’s lifting of restrictions on athlete compensation, but also the ongoing challenges faced by women in sports.
Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ star basketball player, has made history by becoming the first-ever two-time recipient of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award. The award recognizes the nation’s top amateur athlete, and Clark earned the honor for her outstanding performance in the 2022-23 season. She shattered the NCAA single-season and career scoring records, led Iowa to the national title game, and drew record attendance at games. Clark’s exceptional achievements have established her as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history.
Over 400 former and current athletes, including Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, have written a letter to the NCAA urging them not to ban transgender athletes from women’s college sports. The NCAA responded that they will continue to promote Title IX and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes. The debate over transgender women’s participation in sports has been a hot-button issue, with a majority of Americans opposing their participation in teams that correspond with their birth gender.
Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels has weighed in on the debate surrounding trans athletes in women’s sports, saying that she believes fairness should be prioritized over inclusion. Michaels cited data showing that biological males have a significant physical advantage over biological females, even when accounting for cross-sex hormone therapy. Michaels also discussed the obesity crisis in the US, saying that it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
Women’s sports are experiencing a surge in popularity, and the new season of the Fuse Media show Like A Girl is set to bring even more attention to top female athletes. Hosted by FS1 and NFL Network personalities Joy Taylor and MJ Acosta-Ruiz, the show will give an inside look at the successes and challenges of female athletes on and off the field. The first season featured interviews with Olympic gold medalist April Ross, WNBA star Angel McCoughtry, and Paralympic champion Anastasia Pagonis.
In collaboration with Palmer Square Capital Management, Marquee Development, and the Port Authority of Kansas City, Mo., the Kansas City Current has unveiled plans for the next phase of its transformational development on the Missouri Riverfront in downtown Kansas City. Building upon the opening of CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built women’s professional sports stadium in the world, the development will include a mixed-use district anchored by the stadium, residential units, and public gathering spaces. The $800 million project will bring new life and vibrancy to the riverfront, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for residents and visitors alike.
Australian skateboarding sensation Arisa Trew has shattered the boundaries of the sport, becoming the first female to land a 720 in competition. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone in skateboarding history, showcasing the exceptional talent and determination of female athletes.
Nike’s unveiling of skimpy, high-cut uniforms for female track and field athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics has sparked backlash, with concerns ranging from sexism to potential negative impacts on body image and eating disorders. Elite runners share their perspectives on the issue, highlighting the complex relationship between performance, comfort, and societal norms.
