The Lounge Report

Moments That Changed the Game for Women — Forever

October 27, 2025 By: Heather Furlong

For nearly a century, women have fought their way to compete in sports. One of the biggest turning points came during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, the first Olympics in which women competed in athletics events. The Australian Olympic Committee shares that the first women’s athletics gold medallist was a 16-year-old American, Elizabeth Robinson. That moment gave women around the world something to believe in, and it quietly changed what the future of women’s sports could look like.

Fast forward to January 26, 1975, when women’s college basketball made its debut on national television. It wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. This article provides a fantastic deep dive into the game and the importance of that moment in history. From there, opportunities for women in college sports exploded, and by 2001, there was a 545% increase in women’s participation. Viewership followed with the WNBA seeing a 71% increase by 2008. And by 2023, nearly 2 billion people tuned into the FIFA Women’s World Cup, making it the most-watched women’s sporting event in history. 

It can be frustrating to realize how long it took to reach this point; however, it is inspiring to think about all the Women who advocated and fought, knowing they deserved to be on these stages despite anyone's disbelief in Women’s athletics. This is where SheSport’s comes in; we’re here to honor the fight it took to get where we are now with women's soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and swimming, absolutely surging in viewership and fanship. We provide fans a safe place to express their love for the sport, athletes, and women's empowerment. 

📍 Don't forget to catch your next game at SheSport's and follow our Instagram to stay connected!

Where Women's Sports Finally Take Center Stage

October 6, 2025, By Heather Furlong

It’s no secret that women's sports have been slept on for centuries. The underappreciation of women's sports has always been present, hence the enactment of Title IX. For a quick reminder, Title IX was signed into law in 1972 by President Richard Nixon and prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program ot activity receiving any type of federal financial aid. Before Title IX, women were excluded from many sports due to societal beliefs about their physical capabilities. Meaning that just 52 years ago, the idea that women couldn’t be elite athletes was still widely accepted.

Although we have seen a slow shift in that mindset, as athletes like Alex Morgan, Simone Biles, and Katie Ledecky have proven otherwise, they were also given the opportunity to do so. Prior to Title IX and the rise of women's sports, we can only imagine all the potential superathletes who were undermined and limited due to the prevailing beliefs about women’s capabilities. 

This is why supporting women's sports and female athletes is so important. To prove that the belief that women don't belong in sports is a misogynistic thought that doesn't belong in society. Showing up for women's sports means showing up for women. It drowns out the noise and allows these amazing athletes to know they are appreciated and supported. SheSports was created just for this reason.

SheSports was created to celebrate, empower, and unite women’s sports fans everywhere. It’s more than just a lounge, it’s a movement. A space where women’s sports take center stage and fans can show up loudly and proudly without judgment.

We’re here to:
💪 Support the countless female athletes who’ve ever questioned their belonging.
🏆 Honor the athletes who weren't able to show off their true potential.
💖 Create a safe, electric space where women’s sports fans can cheer, connect, and celebrate together.

Share this post with your fellow women's sports fans, and we'll see you next week! 

The Rise Of Women's Sports

September 29, 2025, By Heather Furlong

It's no secret that women's sports and female athletes are on the rise. We've all seen the headlines, filled arenas, and increased coverage of female athletes like Caitlin Clark, Paige Beckers, and Angel Reese. Today, we sat down with an industry professional, longtime women's AAU basketball coach Lisa Johnson, to discuss what we can attribute this success to and how it is affecting the next generation of female athletes. 

The Rise Of Women's Sports

Over the past 5 years, women's sports have seen a major transformation. Increased media coverage, packed arenas, and the rise of star athletes have helped women's basketball and other sports step into the spotlight. S&P Global Marketing Intelligence even reported that the percentage of U.S. adults following women's sports, particularly NCAA women's basketball, the WNBA, or FIFA women's soccer, rose to 18% in 2024, up 4 percentage points from late 2023. This visibility has allowed the younger generation to see female athletes competing at the highest level. 

What's Driving the Growth

Lisa explained that there are several factors fueling this success. Big names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A'ja Wilson have drawn in huge audiences, and brands like Nike, Delta, and American Express are starting to invest in and sponsor women's sports and female athletes.  Most importantly, fans are showing up and proving there's a real demand for women's sports. 

Impact on Young Female Athletes 

Lisa shared that the representation has been a game-changer for younger athletes. When girls see women's games filling up stadiums and constantly being in the news, it makes them believe that they can be there one day too. They no longer have to imagine women playing on those stages because it has become a reality. This boosts the confidence and inspires younger athletes to work harder because their dreams could easily become a reality. 

With almost 10 years of experience in the field, it has been an honor to get Lisa's perspective on the growth of women's sports and how it is affecting the younger generation. 

✨ Don’t miss out! Follow us on socials @SheSports for the latest updates, and join us back here next Monday for our next blog drop!