National Black Women in Sports Day 2025 kicks off a study to boost representation.
National Black Women in Sports Day (NBWISD) 2025 launches a new study to spotlight Black women sports agents and fans.
The 3rd annual National Black Women in Sports Day (NBWISD) celebrated the event by releasing a new study highlighting the various roles Black women hold in sports and their influence and visibility in the industry.
On July 7, the Diverse Representation x Wasserman Black Women in Sports Report, Part I, was released in partnership with Diverse Representation and global agency Wasserman. It highlights the cultural impact and ongoing challenges faced by Black women agents and fans in sports. Part II, set for release in November 2025, will focus on the experiences of Black women executives and athletes.
“We established National Black Women in Sports Day to finally recognize the work, excellence, and impact Black women contribute to every facet of the sports world,” said Jaia Thomas, founder of Diverse Representation. “This partnership with Wasserman marks an important move from symbolism to real, structural change. Our goal is for this data to inspire and push for more intentional hiring, marketing, and investment in Black women—not just one day a year, but every day.”
The report reveals key findings, including the significant underrepresentation of Black women agents, who make up just 2.3% of NFLPA-certified agents and only 2% of NBPA-certified agents. It also highlights the barriers to career advancement, with over 87% of Black women agents running their own firms citing limited growth opportunities at mid-to-large agencies.
Visibility is crucial, especially in sports, yet only 11.7% of Black women sports fans feel fully seen and represented by sports organizations. Despite growing interest in women’s sports, 73% of Black women report following them only occasionally, attributing this to a lack of cultural representation.
The report underscores the importance of engaging Black women as fans, noting that they’re more likely to attend events when they feel an emotional connection to the teams, beyond just entertainment.
“Partnering with Diverse Representation for National Black Women in Sports Day provides Wasserman with an excellent opportunity to spotlight Black women’s roles in sports, recognize those who continue to pave the way, and lead discussions on key issues impacting Black women in the industry,” said Lindsay LaBennett, Vice President of Impact & Inclusion at Wasserman. “We’re excited to use this moment not just for celebration but also for education, building on the valuable research work The Collective has accomplished at Wasserman.”
