Women's Sports Foundation

In honor of WSF’s 50th anniversary, we are excited to join Gainbridge® and Parity in announcing the recipients of grants for “Parity Week by Gainbridge®: Investing in the Future of Women’s Sports.” This year, $150,000 in grants is being awarded to 21 deserving organizations and athletes that support girls and women through sports and/or education. Each grant recipient will receive $5,000 in honor of the amount Gainbridge® ambassador, Billie Jean King, used to start WSF® 50 years ago. WSF® is one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. We had a great time coming together at the #USOpen to present two amazing organizations with their checks! #ParityWeek #PlaytoLead #KeepPlaying #WSF50

Over 10,500 miles from New York City, Aussie mother and son duo Brigette McGuire and Campbell Salmon have joined together to run their first TCS New York City Marathon for Team WSF. WSF is thrilled to have international runners represented this year, with Brigette and Campbell as our first #TeamWSF runners to represent Australia! “To run the marathon with Campbell during the 50th anniversary of WSF is a dream come true. Together, we hope to encourage girls and women to achieve their dreams no matter how audacious they may seem,” shared Brigette. “I’m delighted to join Mum on this adventure and am excited to run as an ally for WSF!” added Campbell. We hope you’ll consider supporting #TeamWSF as they continue their #TCSNYCMarathon training over the next few weeks! Visit the link to learn more about our inspirational runners and donate to deserving girls and women today. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi! https://lnkd.in/gKqUEAaN #NYCMarathon #KeepRunning #nyrr #running #marathon #NYC #Australia

#TakeActionTuesday: After 10 months and many bargaining sessions, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Player’s Association have finalized a new and monumental collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that runs through 2030.    Here’s what’s changing for the better:  - The NWSL has made history by eliminating entry and expansion drafts (i.e., players can choose the team they feel fits them best) giving players more control over their careers— becoming the first professional sports league in the United States to do so.  - Players now have unrestricted free agency once their contracts expire.  - A new revenue-sharing model allows athletes to directly benefit from the league’s success.  - Minimum player salaries will rise over the next five years from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 by 2030.   - The CBA enhances player benefits including improved parental leave and more housing options.    The agreement was finalized during an in-person meeting in Philadelphia, where 43 players, league representatives, and experts came together to reach this historic deal. This CBA provides stability for athletes and promotes growth within the league. We applaud this deal as it puts athletes’ needs first, and we hope this encourages other women’s sports leagues to make similar advancements in support for their players. #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Learn more about this new agreement by listening to 'Full Time with Meg Linehan: A show about women's soccer.' Check out the episode "Inside the New Landmark NWSL CBA with Brianna Pinto" for an insider perspective.  2. Show your support for the #NWSL by tuning into games or attending your local team's matches!  3. Join The Equity Project to ensure a future where we are no longer chasing equity but living it fully: https://lnkd.in/eQZaxaS  

From the hills of Sicily to the serene trails of the Teton Mountain range, best friends Emily and Lindsay have been running all over the globe together for more than 20 years and we are excited to have them as part of #TeamWSF. They’ve faced life’s highs and lows, finding solace and strength in the rhythm of shared footsteps. Now, as they join Team WSF to run the TCS New York City Marathon this November, we celebrate not just their journey, but the enduring power of friendship and the unbreakable spirit of women in sports. Visit the link to learn more about our inspirational runners and help support their 2024 #TCSNYCMarathon journey today: https://lnkd.in/gKqUEAaN #NYCMarathon #KeepRunning #nyrr #running #marathon #NYC

#TakeActionTuesday: The 2024 Paralympics start tomorrow, August 28, and run through September 8. Get excited to witness these phenomenal athletes compete on the biggest stage in sports!    The 2024 Games continue to break records, such as:  - This year’s Games is the most gender-balanced in Paralympic history, with a 55% man to 45% women split amongst athletes and a record 236 medal events directed towards women.  - For the first time, Team USA will have an equal number of men and women competing.  - The IPC announced that they will be welcoming the largest refugee team in history.  - Sarah Adam is the first woman to be named to a U.S. wheelchair rugby team in Paralympic history.    As we celebrate these achievements, it is important to acknowledge that there is still work to be done to increase recognition and visibility for these elite athletes, such as putting the events on primetime to increase viewership. Every event at this year’s Games can be streamed on Peacock, and most events will be televised on USA and CNBC. We encourage everyone to continue advocating for greater viewing access by the 2028 Paralympics. #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Show your support for these incredible athletes by tuning into the #ParisParalympics, sharing their stories on social media, and celebrating their achievements.  2. Support organizations like the Lakeshore Foundation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation that work towards increasing the athletic development of and sport opportunities for Paralympians and athletes with disabilities.   3. Visit WomensSportsFoundation.org to learn about our Scout Bassett Grant, established to provide support to women athletes with disabilities and to spotlight their extraordinary achievements. 

Today, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day—a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead to achieve true equality. At the Women's Sports Foundation, we’re committed to breaking down barriers so that all girls and women can play, compete, and lead without limits. Let's keep pushing forward together! 💪 #WomensEqualityDay #WSF50 #KeepPlaying

It's National Make-a-Will Month! Every day, the Women's Sports Foundation strives for greater equity and opportunity for all girls and women in sports. This #NationalMakeAWillMonth, plan your legacy with FreeWill and help us continue our impactful work for future generations. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gk6t22kC #WSF50 #MakeaWill #makeawillmonth #FreeWill #LeaveaLegacy #impact

Another week of training in the books! Our 2024 TCS New York City Marathon team is showing no signs of slowing down as they continue to log miles in support of WSF. Josh, Maddy, Megan, and Shannon may be spread out across the nation but their dedication and commitment to gender equity unites them through Team WSF. With every step, they prove the difference you can make through passion and resilience. 🏃♂️🏃♀️💪 As they continue their training over the next few months, we encourage you to show your support! 🎉 Click the link below to learn more about what motivated them to join #TeamWSF and how you can help them cross the finish line. https://lnkd.in/gKqUEAaN #TCSNYCMarathon #NYCMarathon #KeepRunning #nyrr #running #marathon #NYC

#TakeActionTuesday: August 26 marks #WomensEqualityDay — the anniversary of the date the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, granting women the right to vote.    While this was a historic milestone, not all women initially gained the ability to participate in elections. Black, Native American, Asian American immigrants and Latinx women faced forms of voter suppression such as intimidation, literacy tests and citizenship restrictions for decades. These women were fighting for equality over 100 years ago, and WSF has been working for 50 years (and counting) to secure equality and equity for girls and women on and off the field of play through our advocacy, research, programming, and resources.     As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we are proud of how far we have come, but we remain committed to our mission of equity for all. #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Use your social media platforms to urge your elected officials to create meaningful change so that all girls and women have equal and equitable access to the transformative power of sport, to help unlock their limitless potential.   2. Use your voice and encourage others to register to vote and research the candidates on their ballot! Check out resources like Vote.org to find out if you’re registered to vote and where your voting location is.  3. Join The Equity Project to ensure a future where we are no longer chasing equity but living it fully: https://lnkd.in/eQZaxaS

Join WSF in cheering on every step, stride and mile that our 2024 TCS New York City Marathon runners will tackle this November! 🏃🏃♀️ #TeamWSF runners Catherine, Delia, Kayla, and Parker are making a lasting impact with their miles as they raise support for WSF’s work. While they prepare to cross the finish line together this Fall, let’s celebrate their incredible journey and cheer on their race for change! 🎉 Visit the link below to learn more about #TeamWSF and support their fundraising efforts to help them go the distance: https://lnkd.in/gKqUEAaN #TCSNYCMarathon #NYCMarathon #KeepRunning #nyrr #running #marathon #NYC