Stories from Ireland and the world over the past seven days focused on Women in Sport.

€4 Million Boost for Women in Sport Programme

On June 11, the government announced a €4 million investment in the Women in Sport Programme.

The funding targets coaching, officiating, participation, leadership, governance, and visibility.

On the Sport for Business podcast this week, Michelle Tanner, Women in Sport Committee Chair at Sport Ireland, highlighted the intent to break down barriers not only on the pitch but in boardrooms too—empowering women across all layers of sport administration.

WNBA Ratings Drop 55% Without Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s quad injury (from May 24) has triggered a 55% viewership drop in WNBA TV ratings. Her influence is described as central, like the sun at the beach by one industry commentator. Her absence reveals how vital star appeal is for women’s sports visibility and economics.

Queen’s Welcomes Return of Women’s Tennis

Queen’s Club in London is hosting its first WTA event in 52 years, featuring a WTA 500 tournament with 11 top-20 players.

This move, supported by the LTA, aims to increase visibility and participation in women’s tennis, with enhanced prize money and infrastructure upgrades. The event has sold over 50,000 tickets, with 55% bought by women.

The LTA has pledged equal prize money with the long established Men’s tournament by 2029.

Imane Khelif Withdraws Over Sex-Testing Rules

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif is skipping a tournament in the Netherlands following World Boxing’s mandate for sex testing. Previously disqualified due to “male karyotype” findings, she continues to assert her female identity and has taken legal action. Eindhoven’s mayor criticized the exclusion policy.

Tottenham Women’s Coach Sacked Amid Club Overhaul

Tottenham Hotspur has dismissed coach Robert Vilahamn from its women’s team just days after the men’s manager was let go. Despite leading the team to their first FA Cup final in 2024, poor results in 2024/25—11th in the WSL—led to his exit. The club is now reshaping strategy for both sides.

Women-led Sportswear Drives Industry Innovation

Three entrepreneurs—Lucy Horsell, Laura Youngson, and Kelly Newton—are transforming women’s sportswear. Their brands solve issues like ill-fitting bras, male-footwear fits, and menopause-friendly apparel. They’ve launched at Sooo London, a female-only sportswear store, signalling a cultural shift in female sportswear design and retail.

NWSL Coach Pipeline Remains Male-Dominated

It has been highlighted this week that only 2 of 14 NWSL head coaches are women—the lowest share in eight years.

Barriers include expensive licensing and biased hiring. The article calls for subsidy schemes, transparent hiring, and structured development. Early initiatives (e.g., license fee offsets) are welcome but need deeper structural reform.

Beau Greaves Makes PDC History

Darts player Beau Greaves became the first woman to win multiple PDC Challenge Tour events in a single season, including back-to-back titles. She also reached the UK Open fourth round, defeating top male players—a major breakthrough in gender barriers within darts.