Just Women's Sports

In today's episode of '1v1 with Kelley O'Hara' presented by RBC Wealth Management, women's sports icon Lisa Leslie lets Kelley in on her personal definition of success. "I have a great portfolio," says the eight-time WNBA All-Star. "Which makes me confident, because I’m really the first generation that can pass something on to their children."

Less than two years after retiring, WNBA superstar Lisa Leslie joined the Sparks ownership group — becoming the first-ever former player to buy into a WNBA franchise and adding to the eight-time All-Star's diverse investment portfolio. "An amazing opportunity came along and I jumped at it," Leslie says on the latest episode of '1v1 with Kelley O'Hara' presented by RBC Wealth Management.

In '1v1 with Kelley O'Hara' presented by RBC Wealth Management, Abby Wambach got real about planning for life after soccer.

“It’s important to figure out what is enough.” On the season opener of '1v1 with Kelley O'Hara' presented by RBC Wealth Management, retired USWNT legend Abby Wambach opens up about life after soccer.

'1v1 with Kelley O'Hara' is back talking shop with athletes on their lives after their playing careers.

This week, we officially announced that we will host the PR7s All-Star Tournament in Portland on Sunday, Nov. 17, with multiple Olympians. We've heard many describe Portland as the epicenter of women's sports. As a league built on equality, the women of PR7s have been on an equal playing field as the men since we were founded in 2021. We are incredibly proud of what USA Rugby has accomplished, and we look forward to showcasing both the women and the men at Providence Park next month. Thanks to Just Women's Sports and all of the media that continue to shed light on our exciting game. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eBzwGmWs #rugby #rugbysevens #womenssports #portland

On Thursday, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese announced the signing of a multi-year contract extension with Reebok, complete with a signature shoe slated for 2026. The announcement makes Reese one of just six WNBA players to receive a signature shoe, and the first on Reebok's reimagined roster under president of basketball Shaquille O'Neal. Rebecca Lobo stands as the only other WNBA player to get her own Reebok sneaker, with the Reebok Lobo hitting shelves back in 1997. 

This week, the Chicago Red Stars launched a major club rebrand including a name change, redesigned crest, and new secondary logo ahead of the 2025 NWSL season. Now called Chicago Stars FC, the original Red Stars name dates back to the club's 2008 founding, though the crest got a refresh in 2017. "We gathered input and inspiration from our athletes. We gathered inspiration and input from current fans, our supporters clubs, as well as prospective fans," Red Stars CMO Kay Bradley told JWS last week.   In an effort to raise brand awareness around the city, the club explained that dropping "Red" from the name shifts the focus to the word "Chicago," while the soccer ball imagery and FC tag help new fans associate the team with the sport.

On Sunday, Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals averaged 2.15 million viewers on ESPN, making it the most-watched WNBA Finals game since 1999. In total, the five-game WNBA Finals series averaged 1.57 million viewers per game across ESPN and ABC, a 115% increase from last season.

On Monday, the WNBA players union voted to opt out of their current CBA with the league. The 2020 agreement was slated to run until 2027, but will now expire after the 2025 season. The move comes in light of 2024's record-breaking viewership, attendance, retail sales, and franchise valuation numbers, as well as the league's upcoming expansion and $200 million media rights deal. "Opting out isn't just about bigger paychecks," WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said in a statement. "It's about claiming our rightful share of the business we've built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today's players and the generations to come."