Mark Walter, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), announced a significant contribution of $5.5 million to support the Women’s Sports Foundation’s ongoing capital campaign, which totals $55 million. This noteworthy pledge was made during a celebratory event that highlighted the foundation’s 50th anniversary, an organization founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King with an initial donation of just $5,000.
At the event, both Mark and Kimbra Walter were honored with the Billie Jean King Leadership Award for their pivotal role in establishing the PWHL. Walter expressed his optimism about the current trajectory of women’s sports, stating, “Women’s sports have really turned the corner and it’s never going to go back.” He emphasized the rise in attendance, media rights, and franchise values within women’s sports, highlighting a wave of positive change.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League, which sees its second season commence next month, operates teams in cities such as Boston, Minnesota, New York, Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, thanks in part to the partnership between King and Walter. Walter reiterated the commitment of their sports teams and other affiliated companies by confirming their financial pledge of $5.5 million, demonstrating their commitment to advancing women’s sports further.
During the ceremony, the 1999 U.S. women’s national soccer team was awarded the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award for their landmark achievement in winning the World Cup, a match that captivated an audience of over 90,000 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Briana Scurry, the goalkeeper from that historic team, expressed that their victory went beyond just the title; it was about changing societal perceptions of women’s sports in America.
In a touching moment, Lucinda Adams, an 87-year-old medalist from the 1960 Olympic gold medal-winning 4×100 relay team, joined the soccer players onstage at Cipriani Wall Street. Additionally, the Next Gen Award was presented to the rookie class of the 2024 WNBA, recognizing star players Caitlin Clark from Indiana and Angel Reese from Chicago for their contributions to record-high attendance and television ratings over the summer.
The Women’s Sports Foundation actively provides essential travel and training grants, offers local sports programs, and fosters mentorship opportunities for both athletes and coaches. The foundation took this occasion to commend King and her partner Ilana Kloss for their persistent efforts in advocating for equal pay and increased investment in women’s sports.
