Earlier this week, the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team clinched their first Olympic medal, marking a historic achievement for a sport long overlooked. Phaidra Knight, a former player and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, highlighted the profound impact of this victory, emphasizing its potential to positively influence both women’s rugby and the sport in America.
In a significant boost, the team received a $4 million donation from Michele Kang, owner of several women’s soccer clubs and a champion of women’s sports. This funding, spread over four years leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics, could attract more investors to the sport.
Knight, who joined the U.S. National Rugby union team in 1999, recalled the financial struggles faced by female players, contrasting sharply with the better-funded men’s teams. Historically, women had to bear costs like camp fees and travel expenses themselves, unlike their male counterparts who received more substantial funding from USA Rugby.
However, recent investments from philanthropic groups like the Golden Eagles and USA Rugby have alleviated some of these financial burdens. Players on the women’s sevens team now receive salaries, allowing them to focus on rugby full-time. Despite this progress, Knight acknowledged that female rugby players still earn less than professional athletes in other sports, mirroring the pay disparities seen between WNBA and NBA players.
Knight remains hopeful for the future, drawing parallels to the growing attention the WNBA has received. With more donations and potential sponsorships, women’s rugby is poised to gain greater visibility. She believes that the true “sleeping giant” in American rugby is women’s rugby, predicting significant growth and excitement for the sport. The U.S. will host the 2031 Rugby World Cup, further highlighting the sport’s rising prominence.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/03/phaidra-knight-us-womens-rugby-4m-gift-is-momentous-for-the-team.html
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