New Funds Flow into Lesser-Known Sports and Women’s Teams for the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics are not only a platform for showcasing athletic prowess but also an opportunity to bring attention and funding to lesser-known sports and women’s teams. This year, sports such as women’s rugby sevens, water polo, and women’s track and field have scored major contributions, highlighting the growing support for these disciplines.
One notable contribution came from investor Michele Kang, who gifted $4 million to the USA women’s rugby sevens team. Kang, the founder of Kynisca Sports, a global organization dedicated to advancing women’s athletics, recognized the talent and dedication of these athletes. She emphasized that 2024 has been a “banner year” for women’s sports, with record-breaking engagement. Kang believes that now is the time to invest in women’s sports as sponsors and networks increasingly recognize their value. Her contribution will provide resources for players and coaching staff in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In a similar vein, rapper and reality TV personality Flavor Flav expressed his support for water polo. Flavor Flav announced a five-year partnership with USA water polo, pledging funds for the 2024 women’s team. He also took on the role of the “official hype man” for both the men’s and women’s teams. Flavor Flav’s decision to support water polo stemmed from an Instagram post by player Maggie Steffens, who highlighted the financial challenges faced by water polo athletes who often have to work multiple jobs to compete. Flavor Flav aims to elevate the visibility of the USA women’s water polo team, which has achieved gold in the past three Olympics.
Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis superstar Serena Williams, is also stepping up to invest in women’s sports. Ohanian, who already co-owns a women’s soccer club, announced his investment in women’s track and field. In April, he revealed that his venture capital firm would host a competition in late September with the largest ever prize pool for a women’s track and field event. Ohanian is doubling the stakes of the Paris Games with a $30,000 top prize. He firmly believes in celebrating excellence and wants to extend the popularity of women’s track and field beyond its peak during the Olympics.
These contributions and investments demonstrate the increasing recognition of niche sports and women’s teams. While these disciplines may not always receive the spotlight they deserve, they are filled with incredible talent and passion. The support from individuals like Michele Kang, Flavor Flav, and Alexis Ohanian not only provide financial resources but also raise awareness and visibility for these sports. By investing in women’s sports, they are helping to ensure that these athletes have the necessary support to compete at the highest level. Furthermore, their contributions are a testament to the power of the Olympics in bringing attention to these lesser-known sports and inspiring others to get involved.
