Women's Male Sports Popularity

I have wondered why some of women’s sports tend to suffer from popularity when compared to those of men sports. (Especially when you look at mainstream sports like basketball, baseball/softball, etc.) Even putting women up in lingerie can’t seem to get women’s football higher than a novelty sport. But I believe this occurs for two reasons. First, women are playing a sport that has already an established as a male sport. I say this because there has been attempts in the past, not gender specific, that tried to become popular by competing with a fan base that has already been established. For instance, in 2000 the XFL was created as a football league when the NFL was on its offseason and after one season it had ceased operations. The second reason I think might be that some of these sports are altered versions of men sports. For instance, the WNBA has a smaller ball size, a shorter 3-point arc and smaller game quarters lengths. I think this may turn fans away because that same sport is already being played on a higher competitive level. That is not to say that the women in these sports are not talented, but it’s hard to take away the fan base of something that was first to strike.

Efrain P.

Kin 338i - Section

Wednesday 4:00 - 6:45