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South Carolina won, with a perfect 37-0 record and new fans of women’s basketball continue repeating the tired refrain that “Caitlyn single-handedly revolutionized women’s basketball.” This discourse seems to suggest that commercials, interviews, magazine covers, sponsorships and promos invest in themselves. CC is an exceptional offensive talent, but the overinvestment in her brand is what made women’s basketball more watchable. Clark literally cannot do that herself. Just because you never watched women’s basketball before does not mean there was no prior electrifying talent worth the same investment Clark is now receiving. The fact that so many people are spending more time playing defense for Caitlyn (something she doesn’t do very well), and less time celebrating South Carolina’s 37-0 victory, shows me how and why CC has the fandom she does: we are more invested in racial narratives (about Black girls as “ghetto,” “mean,” etc. and white girls as “classy”) than we are in the beauty of the sport itself. To be clear: talking about race does not take away from Caitlyn’s greatness. It just exposes the lie that greatness never existed before her.

In 2024, history was made as twelve Commissioners from US-based Major Leagues convened for the first time as a collective group. Their mission? To deliberate on the leadership landscape of the sports industry and harness the collective power of our platform to drive impact across cultural, political, and economic spheres. From discussions on public financing to addressing crucial matters like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and navigating the intricate web of regulatory policies encompassing Public Policy in Pro Sports has never been more evident. This conversation will delve into the strategies shaping professional sports organizations' response to the complexities of public policy at every level of government - from local municipalities to state and federal corridors. 🎤 FEATURING 🎤 MODERATOR: Crispus Gordon III, Vice President, Government Relations and Strategic Affairs, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Mannone Butler, Head of Programs and Partnerships, Social Justice Coalition, National Basketball Association (NBA) Will McIntee, Director of Strategic Engagement, The White House Marquest J. Meeks, VP & Deputy General Counsel at Major League Baseball (MLB) This live conversation is part of The Assembly 2024, where industry luminaries converge to dissect the dynamics of pro sports leadership and chart a course for the future. Explore the full agenda and confirm your invitation before the registration fee increases on May 21. https://lnkd.in/gEdZ22My #ProSportsLeadership #PowerofPRO #ValueCreation #PublicPolicy #SportsIndustry #LeadershipInsights

This article is a must-read for understanding and eliminating the insidious cultural biases perpetuating racism. The recent women's college basketball championship highlighted how Black and white athletes are portrayed differently. Despite South Carolina's victory and the achievement of Black women and girls, the media focused on the defeated Iowa team and their star, Caitlin Clark, who were mostly white. This relegation of the true champions to the sidelines of their triumph is a powerful example of systemic racism in our media. These biases are invisible to white people until we have someone stick us into the shoes of our fellow people of color. #racism #equity #diversityequityandinclusion #antiracism Thanks Aparna R. for sharing this insightful article.

This day in history: Legends were made and records shattered, as we reflect on some of the most captivating moments in the world of sports. - 1960: The first televised U.S. presidential debate was broadcast, featuring candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, marking a significant moment in American political history and the intersection of politics and media. - 1969: The American sitcom "The Brady Bunch" premiered on ABC, becoming an enduring pop culture phenomenon that influenced family television shows for decades. - 1998: Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's record for most consecutive games played, achieving 2,131 games, in a historic moment celebrated at Camden Yards. - 1908: Chicago Cubs' Ed Reulbach became the only pitcher to throw a doubleheader shutout, winning 3-0 and 5-0 against the Brooklyn Superbas. - 1931: Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics clinched their third consecutive American League pennant, highlighting their dominance in early 20th-century baseball. - 1962: The American TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies" debuted on CBS, becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s and a cultural icon. - 1969: The Beatles released their last-recorded album, "Abbey Road," which, although not the last released, remains one of the most influential albums in music history. #ThisDayInHistory #SportsLegends #HistoricalMoments #PoliticalHistory #CulturalIcon #PopCulture #BaseballHistory #TVHistory #MusicLegends #SportsRecords #AmericanHistory #Inspiration #HistoricEvents #MilestoneMoments #LegendaryAchievements #InfluentialMoments

I hope everyone (at least my Northern Hemisphere friends) had a great summer. Taking a break from social media was just what I needed! But, now we're back with the Nice Guy/Gal Awards. For those of you who aren't familiar with the awards, we are looking to celebrate those people in our lives who are good people. Every Friday, I’ll share nominations for people who have been identified as nice guys (and gals). If you want to nominate someone, just shoot me a private message by 5:00 EST on Thursday. There are only 3 requirements: 1) you have to be connected to the person you nominate 2) you can only nominate one person per week 3) you can’t nominate yourself 😀   If you want to provide a brief reason for your selection, that’s great, but it’s not a requirement. Let’s recognize people who make a difference simply by being nice. Have a great week, everyone.   https://lnkd.in/efTdSmWY #network #sportsbiz #people #niceguy #networking #sportsmarketing

Today, we turn back the pages of sports history to commemorate a landmark moment - the birth of professionalism in American sports, a revolutionary concept introduced by the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869. 🌟 This day marks not just a leap forward for baseball, but a pivotal shift in the landscape of all sports, signaling the dawn of the professional era. The Cincinnati Red Stockings were not merely a team; they were visionaries who embraced the notion of paid athletes, thereby laying the foundation for the modern professional sports industry. Their bold decision in 1869 has echoed through the ages, setting the stage for advancements in how sports are played, enjoyed, and evolved. As we celebrate this historic day, let's pay tribute to the Cincinnati Red Stockings for their pioneering role in professional sports. Their groundbreaking move in 1869 continues to inspire innovation and excellence in sports, from the fields and courts of play to the immersive experiences enjoyed by fans around the world. Let's honor the legacy of the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the transformative year of 1869, reminding us of the rich history of sports and the endless possibilities for the future. Here's to the past that shaped the present and the innovations that await. ⚾️💼 #CincinnatiRedStockings #ProfessionalismInSports #SportsHistory #1869 #Innovation #AthleteDevelopment #FanEngagement"

Love to hear that Christina Unkel values experience beyond the sports industry as she builds Tampa Bay Sun FC's team: "I highly advocate working in a small business because even some of the bigger sports franchises, they still operate lean. And, if you work in a small business, you'll understand the reality of wearing multiple hats. You're talking about the longevity of being successful in the sports business industry. I think having that outside knowledge at a small business would catch my attention." In the end, it's a start up... much like founding a business or launching a political campaign. You may not have all of the answers on day one, but you know what questions to ask and what direction you're headed.

Tyler Perry's decision to leave Hollywood? Creative control: By leaving Hollywood, Perry gained complete creative control over his projects, allowing him to tell stories that reflected the experiences and perspectives of Black people without interference from industry gatekeepers. Inclusivity: Perry wanted to create a space where Black talent could thrive and feel represented. He saw an opportunity to build a community where Black writers, directors, and actors could work together and support each other. Atlanta's film-friendly environment: Atlanta offers a more business-friendly environment, with lower production costs, tax incentives, and a growing pool of talented local crew members. This allowed Perry to produce high-quality content without breaking the bank. Access to diverse storytelling: Atlanta's diverse population and rich cultural heritage provided Perry with access to unique stories and perspectives that might be harder to find in Los Angeles. As for why other Black entrepreneur executives in the film industry haven't followed suit, there are several reasons: Lack of access to resources: Starting a studio or production company requires significant resources, including funding, equipment,and infrastructure. Many Black entrepreneurs may not have access to these resources

Many Black entrepreneurs may not have access to these resources or may not have the necessary connections or experience. Industry barriers: The film industry is notoriously difficult to break into, even for established professionals. Barriers to entry include networking, connections, and access to decision-makers. Stereotypes and biases: Unfortunately, there are still biases and stereotypes within the industry that can hinder the success of Black entrepreneurs. For example, some producers or investors may not take Black-led projects seriously or may be skeptical of their potential success. Fear of isolation: Starting a new venture can be isolating, especially if it's not supported by the broader industry. Some Black entrepreneurs may be hesitant to leave the relative safety of established companies or networks. However, there are signs of change: Increased representation: The rise of streaming platforms has created new opportunities for diverse storytelling and representation. Growing demand for diverse content: Audiences are increasingly demanding more diverse content, leading to a growing market for stories told by and about people of color. New talent emerging: A new generation of Black creatives is emerging, with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Back in 2020, many of the more senior briefs we worked on specifically requested people of colour. Our advice then was that this would just be moving the few senior black/brown folk available between agencies. Your agency would be that little bit more diverse but it was a zero-sum game for the industry as a whole. More sustainable change would come from making Adland more open to a wider pool of talent and it is admirable that various schemes were developed to help improve diversity at the bottom of the pyramid. Four years is clearly too soon to see these cohorts in decision-making roles. However, It's disappointing that so many feel that any success seems not to have yet translated to significant opportunities for POCs to even make it to these more senior positions.