The Future is Now: Women’s Sports, Big Moves & CEO Mindset
From record-breaking revenue to game-changing commitments—plus, a look inside my next big move.
Women’s sports are thriving, and the numbers don’t lie—$2.35 billion in projected revenue for 2025 proves that the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This week, we’re diving into the business of women’s sports, including Aaliyah Chavez’s commitment to Oklahoma and what it means for the future of recruiting.
But this week’s newsletter isn’t just about what’s happening on the court—it’s also about mindset. I just finished reading Your First Million by Arlan Hamilton, and it’s pushing me to think bigger, build in public, and step fully into my CEO mindset. With that, I’m gearing up to launch the first official offering from The Gifted Collective—I can’t wait to share it with you soon. Let’s get into it.
The $2.35 Billion Boom: Why Women’s Sports Are Just Getting Started
The numbers don’t lie—women’s sports are thriving, and the latest projections prove it. According to a new Deloitte report, women’s sports revenue is on track to hit $2.35 billion in 2025, marking a 300% increase from just five years ago. This surge isn’t just about ticket sales or sponsorships—it’s a full-scale shift in how the sports industry values female athletes, teams, and leagues.
This growth is fueled by record-breaking viewership (see: the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and the WNBA), expanding sponsorship investments, and rising NIL valuations for college athletes. More brands are realizing what we’ve known all along—women’s sports are not just an add-on, they’re a powerhouse market.
For athletes, this means more opportunities, visibility, and financial backing than ever before. But with rapid growth comes the challenge of ensuring long-term sustainability—investing in player development, infrastructure, and media coverage to keep the momentum going.
The message is clear: women’s sports are here to stay, and the ceiling is nowhere in sight. The only question left? Who’s ready to invest in the future?
Aaliyah Chavez Chooses Oklahoma: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball Recruiting
The nation’s No. 1 high school girls’ basketball recruit, Aaliyah Chavez, has made her decision—she’s headed to Oklahoma. This commitment is a massive win for the Sooners and a pivotal moment in women’s college basketball recruiting. Chavez, a dynamic guard with elite scoring ability, had powerhouse programs vying for her talent, but ultimately, Oklahoma locked in one of the biggest recruits in recent memory.
Beyond what this means for the Sooners on the court, Chavez’s commitment signals a shift in recruiting trends. Traditionally, dominant programs like South Carolina, UConn, and LSU have landed the top-tier talent. But with NIL opportunities growing and schools making strong pitches on culture, development, and branding opportunities, the playing field is leveling.
Chavez is already a $1.5M NIL athlete, showing that high school recruits are now evaluating more than just basketball—they're considering marketability, personal branding, and financial opportunities when making their decisions. As women’s basketball continues its meteoric rise, schools that embrace NIL, invest in facilities, and create strong athlete support systems will see the biggest recruiting wins.
With Aaliyah Chavez leading the charge, Oklahoma is set to make noise in the coming years. But bigger than that, her decision is a reminder that the power in recruiting is shifting, and we’re just getting started.
The CEO Mindset: Building with Intention & Impact
I recently finished reading Your First Million by Arlan Hamilton, and while the title might make you think it’s about hitting a financial milestone, it’s really about something bigger—reaching your first million subscribers, supporters, lives impacted, or clients served. That idea resonated with me deeply as I continue to build The Gifted Collective with the goal of empowering young athletes and shaping a legacy that extends far beyond sports.
For me, this work isn’t just about branding, NIL deals, or media training—it’s about storytelling, ownership, and impact. Storytelling is our original technology—the way we’ve passed down knowledge, built movements, and preserved history. It should be treated as such. And in this time where community and connection matter more than ever, we need to lean into the power of our stories to uplift and empower each other. We are interconnected, and the way we show up, share, and support one another shapes the world we live in.
Athletes, in particular, have massive platforms—they are true influencers, whether they recognize it or not. They shape culture, drive conversations, and set the tone for what’s possible. But here’s the thing: if you don’t know how to tell your story, you’re keeping someone else from experiencing what they need from you. That’s why I’m so committed to helping athletes own their narratives, amplify their voices, and maximize their opportunities—because their impact extends far beyond the game.
And now, I’m taking my own advice. I’ve decided to start building in public—sharing more about the journey, the lessons, and the challenges along the way. In just a few days, I’ll be unveiling The Gifted Collective’s first official offering—a step toward creating lasting change in the way athletes and young professionals own their stories. I can’t wait to share what’s coming next—this is just the beginning.