Women and Sports :: essays research papers fc

Review of Literature Thesis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a definite correlation between the economics of professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sports and their ultimate success. As most success in sport leagues, teams and associations are measured by longevity, win/loss records, and most importantly, revenue, the footprint of female competition at the professional level has not been paramount at any point in our history. Professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s athletics is characterized by an economic model and a level of acceptance amongst the masses that differs immensely from their male counterparts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this review of literature I plan to examine the major issues contributing to the struggle women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional team sports experience, in comparison with individual sports. To better understand the disconnect between female buying power and the support by females of women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional sport, I will use industry facts and expert opinions to look closely at the economic pitfalls of professional women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sports and how that contributes to their ultimate demise. Participation and Buying Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the post-Title IX era, female participation in sport has skyrocketed. In 1970, one in every twenty-seven girls played high school varsity sports; compared to one in three today (6). Overall, women currently outnumber men as active sports/fitness participants (1). Since 1991, women have also out-purchased men in athletic shoes and apparel, they participate in most purchasing decisions for men and families, as well as their own, and buy disproportionate to their participation in sport. In short, women control 81% of total sports apparel dollars (6). Hence, the argument that women are not interested in sport and that they do not purchase apparel, remains untrue (3). Team Sports   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women ¡Ã‚ ¦s professional team sports have had a difficult time establishing themselves as a staple in a booming industry. Some argue that the masculine image of team sports has inhibited women from participating professionally in the United States (4). The best examples of women ¡Ã‚ ¦s sport at the professional level would be basketball and soccer. Both of these sports are widespread in the United States, both sports enjoy immense participation, yet they struggle economically. WNBA   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women have been playing competitive basketball since 1892. In 1976, women ¡Ã‚ ¦s basketball became and Olympic sport and has experienced much success at the collegiate and amateur levels since. The first professional league was launched in 1978 and folded 3 years later. Two other leagues were created in 1996 ¡Xthe American Basketball League (ABL) and the WNBA. The ABL ceased operation in 1999, while the WNBA continues to thrive. Financial woes were the cause of each team ¡Ã‚ ¦s demise and experts argue that the WNBA ¡Ã‚ ¦s survival is due to its NBA affiliation (2).