New York – March 15 – Today, Endeavor and the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) announced a new partnership to accelerate gender equity in women’s athletics. The partnership, which includes a $250,000 donation from Endeavor Impact on behalf of Endeavor and UFC, will focus specifically on creating pathways for women athletes, coaches, administrators and executives to enter and succeed at the highest levels of their industries.
Endeavor and WSF will collaborate on events to assist women athletes in their professional development as they transition into sports and entertainment roles following their athletic careers; host networking events to bring athletes, experts and business leaders together; collaborate on advocacy efforts; and support policy work to increase equity at all levels within the industry and beyond. This partnership uniquely combines Endeavor’s sports organizations, including UFC, IMG Academy and WME Sports, as well as sporting events including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments and HSBC Women’s Championships golf tournament with WSF’s advocacy work, vast network of community partners and impactful programs for girls and women.
“We at the Women’s Sports Foundation are thrilled to be joining forces with Endeavor to showcase the importance of investing in women,” said WSF CEO Danette Leighton. “This partnership is vital as we work to illuminate the equity gaps for girls and women on and off the field of play. Together with Endeavor, we will be able to deepen our impact and inspire more girls and women to experience the transformative power of sport.”
“We look forward to helping the Women’s Sports Foundation advance their mission by creating concrete solutions to address the issue of gender equity in women’s athletics,” said Romola Ratnam, SVP and Head of Impact and Inclusion at Endeavor. “We will activate the full Endeavor network on behalf of the Foundation and amplify their incredible work via our clients and properties.”
The Women’s Sports Foundation was founded by Billie Jean King in 1974. For nearly 50 years, WSF has been advocating for gender equity in sport and working to expand access and opportunities for girls and women so they can play, compete and lead without barriers.
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Endeavor
Endeavor is a global sports and entertainment company, home to the world’s most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events and experiences. The company is comprised of industry leaders including entertainment agency WME; sports, fashion, events and media company IMG; and premier mixed martial arts organization UFC. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation, sports operations & advisory, event & experiences management, media production & distribution, experiential marketing and brand licensing.
About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. From its inception to Title IX’s 50th anniversary in 2022, WSF has invested over $100 million in these impact efforts, helping to shape the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. We’re building a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation. All girls. All women. All sports.® To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
