Why everyone’s betting big on the future of women’s sports

The investing game in the field of sports is picking up, especially as it pertains to women’s athletics amid focus on new superstars such as Caitlin Clark. Yahoo Finance executive editor Brian Sozzi welcomes to the Opening Bid mic at the Milken Institute Global Conference managing partner and head of investments at Ariel Project Level Jason Wright. The former Arizona Cardinals running back was the NFL's first Black president, hired in August 2020 by the Washington Commanders to restore a franchise embroiled in toxic workplace controversies under then-controversial owner Dan Snyder. Wright stabilized the team culture and improved ticket sales. Private equity titan Josh Harris purchased the Commanders from Snyder in 2023 for more than $6 billion. Wright parted ways with the team in 2024, ultimately joining friend and former Starbucks (SBUX) chair Mellody Hobson at Ariel. Wright enters the field of women's sports investing at an important moment as female superstar athletes such as the WNBA's phenom Caitlin Clark and Olympic great Simone Biles continue to enter new territory with their eye-popping performances. Wright shares why he joined Ariel and the biggest sports investing opportunities he says moving forward.For full episodes of Opening Bid, listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices