July 2020 has breathed its last, ushering in another month. While all eyes are on the WNBA season, there is a lot of activity elsewhere in the women’s sports biz world.
The past week of activity outside the lines brought the start of one professional season and the delay of another. There was also a development in a lawsuit involving potentially thousands of college athletes. The COVID-19 pandemic might leave some athletes without their promised sponsorship dollars as well.
Women’s Sports Biz news for the week of July 26-Aug 1
The coronavirus has already cost women’s sports fans the opportunity to enjoy many football matches around the globe. Football hasn’t been the only sport to feel that effect.
Track and field athletes are struggling to find qualifying events to meet the quotas in their contracts. While the pandemic plays a large role, their sponsors actually hold the power.
On July 17, several runners took part in the AP Ranch High-Performance Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas. This included Kori Carter, a jumper, and a sprinter. On that day, she competed in five separate events, which is quite a variance from the norm. In normal circumstances, athletes like Carter might compete in four or five meets a year. At those meets, they usually only participate in one or two events.
Carter and others like her didn’t have much choice, however. Sponsored athletes like her have to compete in at least 10 IAAF-sanctioned events annually to get all their sponsorship dollars. Brands haven’t waived those requirements for this year despite the enormous number of cancelations due to the coronavirus.
This situation has two detrimental effects on athletes. First, these athletes had to travel to Fort Worth, elevating their risks for exposure to the virus. Additionally, because of the number of events within hours, the quality of the athletes’ performances suffered as well.
Staying with track and field, this week brought an update on a lawsuit against the NCAA and a former coach. The new brief was no surprise.
John Rembao hangs his defense on statutory limitations
Former University of Texas track and field coach John Rembao is a defendant in a civil lawsuit. Three women who were on the team allege that he sexually abused and then retaliated against them.
Earlier this month, the plaintiffs amended their complaint to include a fourth plaintiff. The new party to the lawsuit is a current member of the Princeton women’s track and field team.
The lawsuit seeks class-action certification. The proposed class would include all athletes who participated in any sport at any NCAA-member institution from 1992 on.
This past week, Rembao filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Rembao’s primary argument doesn’t dispute the claims that he abused the women. His primary argument isn’t even that he didn’t retaliate against them when they reported him.
Rather, his defense rests on an interpretation of the statute of limitations concerning such actions. Rembao’s brief argues that because it has been more than two years since the alleged conduct took place, the plaintiffs have no standing.
The NCAA has yet to reply to the amended complaint. It will likely repeat its earlier argument that it has no duty to provide a safe environment for athletes.
While we await the court decisions, another entity has already announced its decisions on athlete safety. Fans should note the situation is still tentative, however.
NWHL Announces Season Six timeline
The National Women’s Hockey League plans to begin its sixth season in January. Each of the now six teams in the league will play 20 regular-season games.
The league expects to complete its Isobel Cup Playoffs by the end of March. At that time, it will hold its annual All-Star Game.
Season Six will be the first for the expansion team Toronto 6, which is the first Canadian team in the league. So far, plans include the normal travel schedule for all teams. The situation remains fluid and dependent on local governments’ approval, however.
The upcoming season will also be the first for the Connecticut Whale to don unique away and home sweaters. To whatever extend the league plays next year, that will be a welcome addition to the women’s sports biz landscape.
Another welcome to the menu of women’s sports around the world is the start of the Suncorp Supernetball season. The league’s eight teams are now in action.
What is netball and why it’s a big deal
Netball is a team sport that has grown in popularity in Australia. In that country, a top-flight women’s league has just begun its latest season. A simple explanation of the sport is below.
Perhaps most importantly, fans from anywhere in the globe can watch the games online for free. Simply visit the league’s website or download the mobile app.
That’s all for women’s sports biz news this week. Make sure to come back next week for more news along these lines.
Follow me on Twitter @dhellingsport. Be sure to check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
