Brenda Hilton’s Post

The fuzzy video taken by a spectator at a girls' high school basketball game in Bourbon, Indiana, doesn't explain why the July 2023 event erupted in chaos, but it does make clear who was the target of players' and their coach's ire: referee Jessica Harrison. Running for her life, Harrison is seen on the video being yanked by the hair, wrestled to the floor, pummeled, and kicked repeatedly by an angry crowd of players and at least one coach from the losing Ohio team. That's just one instance among scores of other video examples on social media of violence and threats directed at the people officiating youth and high school sports competitions. The videos and news headlines from around the country document a major reason game officials are quitting their jobs in droves: The escalating rates of abuse from parents and coaches outweigh whatever rewards officiating might bring. If deteriorating decorum isn't kept in check, the future of youth sports, with consistent league play and predictable schedules, will be increasingly at risk. Some local parents' organizations are forming with the support of officiating organizations to warn that the game might not continue without a greater show of respect for referees and umpires. To read more of this recent article from ESPN, please visit: https://bit.ly/3x7bbR1 This article highlights why our work at TeamScore is so vitally important. To join us in our movement to ensure Christ-centric sportsmanship is the norm, not the exception, please contact Bill Gosse today. #leadership, #sports, #management, #personaldevelopment, #health

Absolutely captivated by the brilliant sports documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham," and I couldn't help but share my thoughts. In this standout series, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney not only dig into the struggles and triumphs of managing Wrexham A.F.C., one of the world's oldest professional football clubs, but they also illuminate the resilience and spirit of the Wrexham community. The tale isn't merely about two celebrities throwing money at a football club for publicity or sport. It's a story deeply embedded in community resilience, struggle, and hope. At its core, this series highlights their genuine intent to catalyze positive change in Wrexham—a town that has faced its fair share of adversities. In a period where Wrexham A.F.C. was hanging by a thread, the duo invested not just financially, but also contributed their extensive business acumen, experience, and yes, their fame, all in service of a larger vision: to revive the ailing club and, in doing so, uplift an entire community. What resonates the most is their authentic engagement with the local populace, making it evident that they're not just passive, absentee owners. They are as committed to the fans and citizens of Wrexham as they are to the players on the field. So, if you're interested in an uplifting tale of community, business savvy, and football, then "Welcome to Wrexham" is an absolute must-watch. It serves as a wonderful example of how fame and fortune can be leveraged for meaningful, community-driven change. For those looking to be inspired or seeking that next level of "goosebump-inducing" content, I can't recommend this series enough. #WelcomeToWrexham #CommunityRevival #SportsDocumentary #MeaningfulInvestment #GameChanger

In Transponder Issue 4, Samuel George explores the highs and lows of sports fandom, the massive economic footprint of professional sports, and the impact sports have on our sense of self and community. "For millions around the globe, our allegiance to teams have become a fundamental aspect of who we are, how we present ourselves, and how we gather with friends and family." Read "Home Game" here: https://lnkd.in/eP4ZMdAt

What do I want to talk about? It's gonna be TLDR for most people. But screw it, let's go. It's a 2 minute read or you can keep scrolling. How about we talk more about the # 1 pick in the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) Draft and arguably the most exciting basketball player in any league right now: Caitlin Clark. Oh, I'm sorry, you're tired of hearing her name? Seeing her on TV everywhere? Why? In her first four years playing professional basketball she will make $338,000. That's quite a bit of money for most of us in America, isn't it? The truth is, it's a measly 30% of what the MINIMUM National Basketball Association (NBA) contract value is for playing in 2023. Less than 10% of what the worst NBA players will earn for 4 years of "using their skills", maybe averaging 1 ppg and a few random rebounds. I don't know how we got here as a society, and I don't know what is more embarrassing: the fact women athletes can't get paid fairly for their skills or the fact that men's professional sports pay has ballooned higher than the GDP of a small country. If it's all just entertainment, what is more entertaining than watching Caitlin Clark play basketball right now? She'll get almost no reward for that. I know, I know - she'll make endorsement dollars. Maybe? Does that really make up for this wild gap? She should just be an actor. Would likely make more money via that entertainment route than her God-given skill set... And I'm not naive to what drives this. It's eyeballs. People aren't watching the WNBA. I get it. I understand it. But it doesn't mean I accept it. I know it's going to be almost impossible to change. I was talking with close friends last week, parents of daughters. They wouldn't even entertain watching a women's basketball game. More people will go to a Colorado Rockies game than watch women's sports. That's where we are at. And that's sad. So congrats to Caitlin Clark, I guess? I hope she is the spearhead to massive change in the ways we view sports entertainment.

⚽ 💰 "After pumping billions of dollars into men’s professional sports, private-equity investors are focusing more of their capital and attention on women’s teams, particularly professional soccer. Women’s professional soccer is expected to contribute about 43% of nearly $1.3 billion in projected revenue from elite women’s sports this year, according to a report from financial advisory firm Deloitte. Many of the same forces that attracted private-equity capital to men’s sports also drive interest in women’s teams, including an easing of ownership restrictions in North America, growth in media streaming and intellectual property rights, and a growing fan base. Lower valuations compared with men’s sports, growth in game attendance and the promise of higher returns are also adding to the allure of investing in women’s sports" Source: WSJ #sports #privateequity #dealmaking

EXCELLENT article highlighting the perspectives of many thought-leaders and executives in the women's sports business space 🙌

Sports ownership is becoming democratized and diverse. And it should be. Just yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons announced that four new limited partners joined the team’s ownership group: • Rashaun L. Williams • Rosalind Brewer • Dominique Dawes • Will Packer Also, Chicago Sky WNBA Forward Angel Reece became a part owner of DC Power Football Club. We need more people of color and women in positions of power and ownership. This can benefit organizations and fans for numerous reasons including: • Diversity of thought and ideas • Enhances decision-making and innovation • Revenue growth and market expansion Allowing fans, players, and diverse stakeholders to participate in an organization's upside in some way ultimately drives sports forward. A win for them is a win for all of us. #sportsownership #privateequity #sportsbusiness

Often, Fox Sports NFL broadcaster Greg Olsen and his wife go to dinner with friends "pretending to care about what's going on in your life," and then diving into conversations about youth sports. Sound familiar? Here's his advice to sports parents (via USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Stephen Borelli). 1. The value of youth sports has "nothing to do" with the actual sport. 2. Youth sports isn't about winning games. 3. Define success by how you emerge from the experience, not where you end up. There is a difference. 4. Don't coddle your kids. Let them compete - and struggle - to learn the lessons of life.

1) A shift in how sports programming is promoted 2) A muddled message about the growth of women's sports 3) A potential disruption in the integrity of competition These are the impacts, for good and bad, that Taylor Swift has created for the sports world. Enjoy the article and if you would like to read more, please subscribe! https://lnkd.in/gpb4e9Ny

Quick thought: Have you ever thought about the incredible impact sports have within our communities? Let's dive into this. Sports erase differences, connecting us through a shared passion. Whether it's a park basketball game or a local soccer match, they bring us together, teaching teamwork, respect, and understanding. We celebrate diversity on the field, and it makes us stronger as a community. For our young athletes, sports aren't just games––they’re life lessons. They learn discipline,  dedication, and determination. These skills shape their futures, on and off the field. By investing in sports, we're investing in future community leaders. Think about the energy at a local sports event––the laughter, cheers, and excitement. These moments make us proud and strengthen our community bonds. Sports events create lasting friendships and connections, turning neighborhoods and colleges into vibrant, supportive communities. Sports teach us to win with humility and lose with grace. These values go beyond the game,  shaping our character in all areas of life. By promoting sportsmanship, we create a culture of respect and empathy in our communities. Whether you play, coach, cheer, or support, your role matters. Together, let's nurture camaraderie, empower one another, and create thriving communities. Share your sports community stories! How have sports made a positive impact in your community? Let's chat about it in the comments below. #Recly