#1 Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 1 is "Yes, Virginia, Pro Women's Sports Can Draw".

On Aug. 31, 2013, when third-seeded Portland Thorns defeated Western New York for the first NWSL championship, many might think it was the crowning achievement for the team in its inaugural season.  

But what set the Thorns apart, not only from its sister clubs but in women’s sports, was the team’s ability to draw more than 13,000 fans per home game.  The WNBA, which just completed its 17th season, averages close to 8,000 fans per game.  

Portland Thorns led the NWSL in average attendance.  At their home season finale, they drew 17,619 fans. Photo credit: ISIPhotos.com

To read more about REAL SPORTS #1 Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013 as well as the other nine moments and the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year, visit www.realsportsmag.com

2nd Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 2 is "Age Defy".

Oct 27, 2013: Serena Williams competing on her way to winning the WTA Championship. Photo credit: Getty Images

After first ascending to the Women’s Tennis Association No. 1 ranking in 2002, Serena Williams has assembled an impressive resume. The only woman player to accumulate over $50 million in prize money, she has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles, 13 Grand Slam doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles. She has been top-ranked in the world six times, most recently in February 2013.

The fact that the 32-year-old is the oldest WTA player to hold the top ranking is why she makes this year’s list.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 2nd Most Important Moment in Sports selection, visit www.realsportsmag.com

3rd Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 3 is "New League, New Approach".

The third time seems to be working for pro soccer.  With the failed models of the Women’s United Soccer Association (2001-03) and  Women’s Professional Soccer (2009-11) as guides, in 2013, the National Women’s Soccer League embarked upon a different approach to ensure a successful return for professional soccer.  

Recognizing that overhead costs, including player’s salaries, caused huge challenges for earlier leagues, NWSL sought the support of national federations — U.S. Soccer Federation, the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. 

2013 NWSL Championship featuring Portland Thorns vs. Western New York Flash. Photo credit: ISIPhotos.com 

...Lowering overhead for owners is but one benefit of the involvement of the sport’s ruling bodies. The financial involvement of the USSF, CSA and FMF signals recognition that the success of their national teams is, in part, dependent upon the existence of a North American women’s professional league. 

To read more about REAL SPORTS 3rd Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visitwww.realsportsmag.com 

4th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 4 is "Darling of the Dance, Feeling Fatigued".

In June 2013, Val Ackerman, former WNBA president and USA Basketball president, shared the findings of her six-month investigation into the state of women’s college basketball. Her investigation included more than 100 interviews of coaches, athletic directors, university administrators, media representatives and sports executives.

To many a casual viewer of women’s basketball, this may seem odd given the hype and excitement that surrounds ESPN’s presentation of March Madness.  Yet, those fans close to the game, and those who watch it with a bit more interest, know that the health of the game is in question. Lopsided wins, empty stands and program expenses are more times than not the norm outside the Top 20, if not the Top 10.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 4th Most Important Moments in Sports selection, including specific recommendations for changes, visitwww.realsportsmag.com 

5th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 5 is "Turf Wars".

Led by the Americans, 2013 brought an outcry by women’s players that the 2015 Women’s World Cup would be played — all 52 matches — on artificial turf.  Among the complaints were charges of discrimination, including the statement  that men’s matches would never be allowed on anything but good, green grass.  Actually, men’s matches have been played on artificial surfaces, including hybrid surfaces during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa...

Photo Credit: ISIPhotos.com

What makes “Turf Wars” a Most Important Moment in Women’s Sports for 2013 is the way in which FIFA responded to the criticism and what FIFA is or is not doing to market host country interest for the Women’s World Cup.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 5th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visit www.realsportsmag.com

6th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 6 is "Towards Inclusion and Respect".

When basketball player Brittney Griner announced her sexual orientation in April 2013, it caused barely a stir. The same seeming lack of interest followed Abby Wambach’s October civil union to teammate Sarah Huffman.

Throughout the year, more and more evidence mounted that this generation is less concerned about an individual’s sexual orientation and more dedicated to inclusion and respect for all, at least as far as high-profile athletes are concerned.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 6th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visit www.realsportsmag.com  

Add caption

7th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 7 is "No Bellyaching, Just Action".

Five years ago, EA Sports asked fans of its FIFA game whether women’s teams should be included in the game.  Apparently the answer was no.  However, EA Sports says it is again asking fans if women should be included in future editions of their popular game. According to Videogaming 24/7, an EA spokesperson has said, “Fans just need to be more vocal.”

Well, one U.S. eighth-grader could be a catalyst for being more vocal. 

To read more about REAL SPORTS 7th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visitwww.realsportsmag.com 

8th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 8 is "Head Games".

Sports language is filled with clichés. Two of the most frequently heard are: “Records are made to be broken,” and “You’ve got to keep your head in the game.” 

Jun 20, 2013: Abby Wambach celebrates her fourth goal with her USA teammates on the night that she broke Mia Hamm's record for most goals scored in international competition. Photo credit: ISIPhotos.com

In 2013, soccer star Abby Wambach took both literally. On June 20, she used her head to set the record for goals scored in international play, breaking the record held by Mia Hamm.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 8th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visit www.realsportsmag.com

9th Most Important Moment in Sports

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 9 is "Robin Roberts Returns".

In February 2013, America welcomed Robin Roberts back to “Good Morning America.”  While no longer a sportscaster, Roberts will forever have an endearing relationship with sports fans because of her years at ESPN and ABC sports.  

Roberts was selected for this year’s Most Important Moments in Sports edition because of her tenacity, openness and commitment to being such a formidable competitor against cancer.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 9th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visitwww.realsportsmag.com 

10th Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 10 is "Making a Name".

For athletes seeking to participate in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, 2013 was their year to prepare for, and in many cases but not all, qualify for the Games.

Dec 2013: Bobsled Team U.S.A. sweeps with 1, 2, 2 finishes at the World Cup. 
Photo courtesy: U.S.A. Bobsled and Skeleton

The 10th moment features the success of the U.S. Ski Jumping team which will make its Olympic debut in February and U.S. Bobsled's surprise two-man sweep of the World Cup.  The piece also highlights the failure of the U.S. Short-track Speed Skating team.

To read more about REAL SPORTS 10th Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visit www.realsportsmag.com 

Diana Nyad chosen as REAL SPORTS Sportswoman of the Year for 2013

(C) ISIPhotos.com

Touch the Other Shore:

Starting out on Aug. 31, 2013, 64-year-old Diana Nyad swam 103 miles between Havana and Key West, Fla., in 53 hours, reaching the beach in the early afternoon of Sept. 2. It was her fifth attempt, and her fourth try since turning 60.

She immediately faced criticism centering on the level of support she had, as well as the fact that she wore a protective suit that helped limit dehydration and hypothermia and protected against stinging sea animals. We will leave it to the reader to decide if a bodysuit detracts from the achievement of swimming 103 miles, after being forced to quit four times previously.

Nyad is recognized as REAL SPORTS Sportswoman of the Year for her commitment to accomplish her athletic goal despite age, health, safety, and often times the most threatening obstacle of all, human detractors. 

To read more about Nyad and to read what REAL SPORTS chose as the Top 10 Most Important Moments in Sports for 2013, visit www.realsportsmag.com 

REAL SPORTS: 2013 Most Important Moments in Sports

Aug. 2013: National Women's Soccer League championship game.
Portland Thorns defeated Western New York Flash 2-0 in the
inaugural season. Photo Credit: ISIPhotos.com

Persistence and dedication are two words that continually resonate within REAL SPORTS Most Important Moments in Sports annual editions.  2013 is no exception.  Whether you are Robin Roberts fighting cancer; are the believers of women’s soccer, which embarked on a third attempt at a professional league; are part of the ongoing push for inclusion and acceptance; are our sportswoman of the year, Diana Nyad, or are any of the other moments we selected, these two words exemplify women’s sports. (Read this year's issue)
As REAL SPORTS enters its 16th year of publishing and its 11th year of publishing this annual edition, persistence and dedication also describe the team that brings to life REAL SPORTS Most Important Moments in Sports each year.  For six years, REAL SPORTS, was a print publication with a readership base of more than 300,000, before it transformed into the online annual editions.  Regardless of its form, with each release, REAL SPORTS remains committed to providing a unique history and perspective regarding the successes and challenges in women’s sports.
The REAL SPORTS team now does this as a labor of love rather than the profession it once was.  This provides some unique opportunities for us to continue to influence the perceptions of women’s sports.  To be part of the change you want to see requires persistence and dedication.  You, our readers, may be surprised by how you can influence perspectives and opinions about women’s sports, too. 

*  If your company hires athletes for sales conferences, ask about including and paying a female athlete. 

*  If your company names its conference rooms after Olympic athletes, include some female athletes, and perhaps place a picture in the room of her in action.  

*  If you are watching the Winter Olympic Games in February, strike up a conversation about the female athletes with your coworkers and engage with online conversations. 

We are all empowered to be part of the change we want to see.  Just ask eighth-grader Rebekah Araujo, who we spotlight in this edition. It takes more than ideas though, as the Val Ackerman report on women’s basketball points out, there is a decline in women’s basketball attendance, so yes it is important to attend women’s sporting events. To that end, we applaud the fans of the Portland Thorns soccer team for their outstanding attendance figures.

Please take a moment to share this year’s edition with your friends on social media. I also invite you to start a dialogue about this year’s picks.  @realsportsmag #RSMIMIS

All the best,

Amy Love

Founder/Publisher

"I'm Not a Fan of Women's Professional Sports...

I just haven’t had a team capture my attention." Says Amy Bergstrom, associate sports producer for seattletimes.com  

Really?  

Wake Up Call - Women Can't Continue to Speak Out of Both Sides of Their Mouth and Expect Anything to Change.

The Seattle Times article continues on to say "by fan, I mean a person who buys tickets for games, wears team apparel or follows in detail the progress of a team". The article then continues to say "but I am a fan of women playing sports professionally".

REAL SPORTS magazine's 2012 Most Important Moments in Sports edition recognizes the important legacy David Stern has played in the continued viability of the WNBA and covers the state of women's professional soccer in the US, which includes the next chapter with the launch of the National Women's Soccer League, which is a collaboration between Canada, Mexico and the United States soccer federations.  

Women's sports absolutely remains in a tenuous position.  Right now, the existence of the WNBA and latest attempt at professional soccer is absolutely because of powerful men who are willing to bankroll opportunities at the league or professional level, with some women now becoming team owners.

Over our fifteen years of publishing REAL SPORTS - I have reflected many times on how Dad's with Daughters were our best customer (when we were a print publication - meaning they were ready and willing to pay for a subscription) and it's interesting, now our best advocates are women (is it because we are now a free online publication?). Women's sports need both - women and men who combined are willing to put money down as a proxy for women's sports being relevant and advocates to expand the awareness of and interest and excitement in women's sports.

The Boston Consulting Group study states "women in the U.S. reported 'controlling' 72.8% of household spending".   Women have the ability to make financial decisions that can directly influence the viability of women's sports.  

However, if women continue to play to heartstrings and say giving girls the opportunity to play is important but not supporting the success itself through buying tickets, buying and wearing apparel and showing interest by following women's sports not just a specific team, then the Good Magazine article which points to a non-profit model/charity model being perhaps the only viable option for women's sports has merit.  Certainly for REAL SPORTS, the model we operate under now is self-funded out of a personal commitment to keep the issues of women's sports in the forefront.

The issue of building a solid fan base for women's sports extends beyond the professional ranks.  Living in Northern California, I have the luxury to see some of the best college basketball in the country with Stanford being close by.  At the recent #1 and #2 match-up between Stanford and UConn, Stanford sold-out the game with 7,392 in attendance, but that's a rarity in terms of selling out. Stanford's two prior home match-ups saw announced attendances of 4,217 against Pacific and 3,531 against Long Beach State.

Dec. 28, 2012, Stanford vs. UConn, sold out Maples Pavilion

If you find yourself in the camp of saying "it's important to have viable women's sports options (youth, collegiate, national team, and/or professional), what steps do plan to take to support the viability and interest of these?

Amy Love

Publisher/Founder

REAL SPORTS magazine