‘Everybody Watches’: Celebrating the Rise of Women’s Sports at the TIME100 Sports Gala

The inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala was more than just a celebration of athletic achievement; it was a powerful testament to the cultural and economic explosion of women’s sports. On the red carpet, some of the world’s most influential female athletes—including Olympic champion freeskier Eileen Gu, hockey legend Hilary Knight, and soccer star Trinity Rodman—shared their thoughts on this historic moment. The consensus was clear: the era of begging for attention is over. Today, “everybody watches.”

A Shared Vision of Visibility and Growth

For decades, female athletes fought for basic visibility. But at the gala, the conversation shifted from surviving to thriving. Eileen Gu, who has seamlessly bridged the worlds of elite sports and global fashion, emphasized the power of representation. “Seeing women excel on global stages isn’t just inspiring; it’s becoming the norm,” Gu noted, highlighting how the intersection of sports, culture, and business is elevating female athletes to unprecedented heights.

Trinity Rodman, a dominant force in the NWSL and on the international soccer stage, echoed this sentiment. She spoke about the shift in fan engagement and media coverage. “People aren’t just tuning in out of obligation anymore. They’re watching because the product is elite, the competition is fierce, and the stories are captivating,” Rodman said. The packed stadiums and record-breaking television ratings in women’s soccer are proof that the audience has always been there, waiting for the investment to match the talent.

From Underdogs to Mainstream Powerhouses

Hilary Knight, a pioneer in professional women’s ice hockey, reflected on the systemic changes she has witnessed throughout her career. Having fought for livable wages and professional standards for years, Knight expressed immense pride in the current landscape. “We’ve proven the business case,” Knight remarked. “When you invest in women’s sports, you get a massive return. The narrative has completely changed from ‘why should we care’ to ‘how can we get involved.'”

Looking to the Future

The collective message from the TIME100 Sports Gala red carpet was one of triumph, but also of anticipation. The rise of women’s sports isn’t a fleeting trend; it is a permanent restructuring of the sports industry. As these honorees look to the future, they do so with the knowledge that the next generation of female athletes will step onto a playing field that is wider, fairer, and more lucrative than ever before.