Alexis Ohanian, a significant proponent of women’s sports, has made notable strides in elevating the visibility and profitability of female athletics. His involvement has significantly impacted the growth of women’s sports leagues, particularly the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the U.S.
Key Initiatives in Women’s Sports
Ohanian’s journey began with a conversation with U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan. During their discussion, he learned how underrepresented NWSL matches were, being broadcast on Lifetime, a cable network not traditionally associated with sports. His insights indicated a promising potential for women athletes.
“As soon as people realize that these athletes are excellent year-round, there’s a huge opportunity,” Ohanian stated. His vision has since materialized into tangible growth and success across various platforms.
Investment in Angel City FC
- In 2020, Ohanian became the lead investor for Angel City FC, an NWSL expansion team.
- The team entered the league with a $2 million fee.
- In 2024, it was bought by Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife for $250 million.
The value of franchises in the NWSL has surged, with expansion fees climbing to $165 million. Broadcast partnerships have also improved, with games now aired on CBS and its streaming platform, Paramount+.
Formation of Athlos
In 2024, Ohanian introduced Athlos, a women’s track and field competition series, that rewarded race winners with substantial cash prizes of $60,000. This initiative attracted prominent sponsors such as Tiffany and Toyota. It has created an engaging atmosphere for fans, as showcased by a successful event at Icahn Stadium in New York City.
- Tara Davis-Woodhall and Faith Kipyegon participated in highly competitive events.
- Commercial revenue from Athlos tripled year-over-year.
Expansion Plans
Ohanian aims to enhance Athlos by introducing additional events and a competitive team format. “If we all get fired up about Mercedes versus Ferrari, why not about Nike versus Adidas?” he commented.
His commitment extends internationally as well; in May 2024, Ohanian acquired a minority stake in Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions, for about $26 million.
Impact on NWSL Viewership
The NWSL has reported four consecutive years of annual growth in television viewership. Recent statistics revealed that:
- Regular-season viewership increased by 22% year-over-year.
- Total live streams soared by 30% year-over-year.
- Fans watched a record 2.62 billion minutes of NWSL action across all platforms.
This growth has been recognized by the community, with fans expressing gratitude towards Ohanian for his contributions. Looking ahead, an expansion team is scheduled to debut in Denver in 2026.
Conclusion
Ohanian’s commitment to championing women’s sports is evident in his investment strategies and innovative initiatives. “I’m happy but far from complacent,” he stated. His vision for women’s athletics promises exciting opportunities for the future.
