Group to inform the first-of-its-kind study to illustrate ways that Canada can capitalize on professional women’s sport and transform the sport landscape for women and girls

Toronto, ON (August 9, 2022) – Canadian Women & Sport announced a number of initiatives to help the Canadian sport system capitalize on the potential of professional women’s sports in the Canadian market.

“We believe that gender equity builds better sport. A thriving commercial women’s sport market in Canada will enrich the sport landscape in Canada and help expand opportunities for women and girls at all levels of sport,” said Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. “Canadian Women & Sport is uniquely positioned to positively influence decision-makers at this pivotal moment.”

The first initiative is the appointment of a Commercial Women Sport Advisory Group, which will provide Canada-specific insights to sport properties, media, and brands.

The Advisory Group is comprised of individuals representing media, corporate brands, sport properties, and represents the diversity of Canada all with a primary objective of sharing their experiences to help inform and advance progress in growing women’s professional sports in Canada. Sport media and sponsorship executive Nathalie Cook will Chair the Group. Cook has held many high-profile roles including most recently heading up programming and production for TSN and RDS. Other prominent group members include:

Stacey Allaster C.C., Chief Executive, Professional Tennis and US Open Tournament Director, United States Tennis Association

Ashley Curran, Associate Vice President, Sport Partnerships, Canadian Tire Corporation

Karina Leblanc, General Manager, Portland Thorns and former head of Women’s football for CONCACAF

Kia Nurse, Professional Basketball Player and Broadcaster

Teresa Resch, Vice-President Basketball Operations, Toronto Raptors

Alyson Walker, Chief Commercial Officer, OverActive Media Group

Camille Wallace, Media Partnerships Lead – Sports, TikTok

Also part of the Group, Dr. Cheri Bradish, Founder of the Future of Sport Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, will provide academic leadership to the Advisory Group. The Advisory Group will provide insights and perspectives specific to the Canadian market for a forthcoming report. The first-of-its-kind report, to be released in Fall 2022, will help inform the decisions being made on professional women’s sport so that leaders can optimize the economic and social potential of their women’s sport ventures. The primary audience for the report includes sport properties, including leading ownership groups, sport partners, including corporate support and sport marketing agencies, and sport media.

Canadian Tire Corporation has confirmed its support of the initiative and will be a Premier National Partner for the Group and the Report.

About Canadian Women & Sport

Canadian Women & Sport is dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive Canadian sport and physical activity system that empowers girls and women—as active participants and leaders—within and through sport. With a focus on systemic change, we partner with sport organizations, governments, and leaders to challenge the status quo and build better sport through gender equity.