Serena Williams has long been more than an extraordinary talent on the tennis courts; she has long been a pioneering force within athletics for women. Williams’ nearly two decade long illustrious career is marked by groundbreaking accomplishments and tireless effort to elevate women’s sports, much to Alexis Ohanian’s delight. Williams passionately supports growing and investing in female-focused athletics – an approach shared with her husband as they are married now!
In an exclusive discussion with The New York Times, 43-year-old tennis icon Maria Sharapova discussed various subjects spanning her longstanding career and retirement transition. A major theme she stressed during this dialogue was women’s sports financial aspects – she highlighted its longstanding potential while noting how only recently has it been realized and harnessed by investors and the general public alike.
Williams pointed out, “I always say that women’s sports is not having a moment. It’s always been there. We women athletes have often been around. We have always been amazing and we’ve always been great. You guys are just noticing and I think its important that people realize that.” She further highlighted the record viewerships that matches, including those played by her and her sister Venus Williams, have brought to grand slam events, indicating the high level of performance and interest that women’s sports can attract.
The final match of Serena Williams’ career, against Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open, underscored her point by drawing an unprecedented viewing audience for ESPN, marking a significant moment in tennis broadcasting history. “It’s also the fact that there are other amazing athletes have been doing so well for so long. But now other people are noticing and now they’re investing in them. And when you invest in women, you see what product you get. There is so much great potential out there,” Williams added, reinforcing the notion that increased investment in women’s sports yields remarkable results.
Alexis Ohanian’s perspective on investing in women’s sports mirrors that of his wife’s. He believes that the underinvestment in women’s sports presents a unique opportunity for innovation and support. His venture into becoming a founding investor of the Los Angeles NWSL team, Angel City FC, which his wife and daughter Olympia also have ownership stakes in, exemplifies his commitment. This move, alongside Disney chief executive Bob Iger’s recent acquisition of a controlling stake in the team, highlights both the financial and societal value seen in women’s sports enterprises.
Inspiration Behind Investing in Women’s Sports
Ohanian credits his family, especially Serena Williams and Olympia as his main sources of motivation when investing in women’s sports investments. Specifically citing female athletic powerhouses such as Serena, Venus Williams and Billie Jean King for drawing audiences and driving significant viewership numbers to women-specific events; often surpassing even men’s events! as his inspiration.
Serena Williams shares in her husband’s emphasis on investing in women’s sports, serving as an inspirational call to action for positive transformation in how female athletes are seen and supported, furthering the legacy of women’s athletics. Together they aim to ensure this legacy flourishes into future generations of play.