Why Sports Still Matter for the Next Generation of Women Leaders—Even as the Rules Change
We’ve long known that participation in sports builds more than just physical strength — it develops the confidence, resilience, and teamwork that translate directly into leadership. A few years ago, a report from EY and ESPN-W revealed that 94% of women in the C-suite played sports, over half of them at the college level. These women didn’t just benefit from competition — they brought that drive with them into boardrooms and leadership roles across industries. Sport helped prepare them to lead, and many now seek out that same athletic background when hiring others.
But despite decades of progress, recent events make it clear we still have a long way to go. The NCAA’s $2.8 billion settlement, designed to compensate athletes who were previously barred from profiting off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), is now under appeal specifically for its Title IX implications. Eight former female athletes are challenging the deal, arguing that it violates federal law by allocating the vast majority of funds to men’s football and basketball players — shortchanging women by more than $1 billion. As The Guardian reports, the formula used to determine payouts relies on historical media revenue, which inherently favors men’s sports and overlooks the systemic barriers that have kept women out of the spotlight.
The current appeal has paused all back payments to athletes and sparked renewed conversations around gender equity in college sports. On July 24, a new Executive Order was signed by President Trump aimed at “protecting college sports.” Among its directives: preserving scholarships and competition opportunities in non-revenue and Olympic sports, safeguarding fair-market NIL compensation while prohibiting direct pay-for-play schemes, and emphasizing the need to structure future revenue-sharing models in a way that protects women’s sports. The Order signals a growing awareness — across political lines — that unchecked changes to college athletics could jeopardize the very opportunities that have historically helped women advance.
The current appeal has paused all back payments to athletes and sparked renewed conversations around gender equity in college sports. On July 24, a new Executive Order was signed by President Trump aimed at “protecting college sports.” Among its directives: preserving scholarships and competition opportunities in non-revenue and Olympic sports, safeguarding fair-market NIL compensation while prohibiting direct pay-for-play schemes, and emphasizing the need to structure future revenue-sharing models in a way that protects women’s sports. The Order signals a growing awareness — across political lines — that unchecked changes to college athletics could jeopardize the very opportunities that have historically helped women advance.
It’s a reminder that real equity in sport isn’t just about letting girls play — it’s about investing in them, celebrating their success, and ensuring they are compensated fairly. Sport is a proven catalyst for personal and professional growth, especially for girls. But if we continue to undervalue their participation, we risk stalling that momentum. Equity in sport is about more than just opportunity — it’s about recognition, investment, and long-term impact.
