Whoopi Goldberg Rewrites the Playbook for Women in Sports with Launch of AWSN
Whoopi Goldberg, the celebrated actor, comedian, and activist, has made history with the launch of the All Women’s Sports Network, AWSN, the first global channel dedicated entirely to women’s sports.
The ambitious project, 16 years in the making, debuted last week in the United States and is now available in 65 countries, streaming 24/7.
Speaking to CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Goldberg shared her vision for AWSN as a comprehensive platform showcasing women’s athletic achievements across the globe.
“We want it all,” Goldberg said.
“Because we’re not just American-based, we can go after things that aren’t being shown. I’m hoping to be the place where you’re going to see not just women’s sports but anything having to do with women in sports.”
AWSN broadcasts live and delayed action from major leagues, including the UEFA Women’s Nations League, the Women’s Tennis Association, and the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series.
The network arrives at a pivotal moment for women’s sports, which have seen unprecedented growth in popularity, particularly in basketball, soccer, and golf.
Despite this growth, the disparity in media coverage remains glaring.
A 2021 study from USC and Purdue University found that only 5% of televised sports coverage in the U.S. focused on women.
Globally, representation lags even further behind, with some countries only recently granting women the right to participate in sports events.
Goldberg hopes AWSN can play a transformative role, especially in regions where women’s sports are underrepresented.
“When she wins, we all win,” Goldberg said, expressing her belief that greater visibility for women athletes benefits society as a whole.
A Platform for All Sports Fans
While AWSN focuses on elevating women in sports, Goldberg emphasised that the network aims to attract sports fans of all genders.
“For some reason, it all seems like it’s compartmentalised,” Goldberg said.
“Sports shouldn’t be that. It should be the best sportsperson out there. Die-hard sports fans will get it and say, ‘Okay, let’s see who’s doing what.’”
A Legacy in the Making
Goldberg, who has long championed social causes, described AWSN as one of her proudest achievements. She hopes the network will leave a lasting impact on future generations.
“This could be something that will carry on into a future I will not see,” she said. “I like the idea that I have a finger in the future.”
AWSN is the latest in a series of ventures for Goldberg.
This year alone, she has invested in the Black-focused streaming platform Blkfam and launched a cannabis product line, Emma & Clyde, named after her mother and brother.
With AWSN, Goldberg cements her position as a trailblazer, pushing boundaries in the media landscape while championing equity and representation in sports.
For fans and athletes alike, the launch represents a significant step toward levelling the playing field in a historically male-dominated industry.
