Diverse Representation and Wasserman Unveil Groundbreaking Report: The Unseen Influence of Black Women in Sports

Released on the third annual National Black Women in Sports Day (July 7), this first-of-its-kind research reveals the profound impact and persistent systemic gaps experienced by Black women as fans and agents in the sports industry.

NEW YORK (July 7, 2025) – In honor of the 3rd annual National Black Women in Sports Day (NBWISD), Diverse Representation has partnered with global sports, music and entertainment company Wasserman to release a first-of-its-kind study examining the role, influence, and visibility of Black women across the sports industry. Focusing initially on Black women agents and fans, the report uncovers critical insights that highlight both their cultural power and the systemic inequities that continue to hinder opportunity and inclusion.

This partnership brings together Wasserman’s longstanding commitment to equity in sports and entertainment with Diverse Representation’s mission to elevate Black professionals across the industry. Together, they aim to spotlight and support the often-overlooked contributions of Black women as agents, fans, executives, and athletes.

“We created National Black Women in Sports Day as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the work, excellence and energy Black women bring to every part of the sports ecosystem,” said Jaia Thomas, founder of Diverse Representation. “This partnership with Wasserman is a critical step forward in moving beyond symbolism toward structural change. Our hope is that this data not only inspires, but demands more intentional hiring, marketing and investment in Black women. Not just one day a year, but every day.”

“Partnering with Diverse Representation for the 3rd Annual National Black Women in Sports Day is both a deep honor and a powerful reminder of our collective journey,” added Alanna Frisby Hernandez, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs & Operations, Team Sports at Wasserman. “Today, we celebrate the trailblazing Black women whose brilliance and resilience carved paths where none existed, and we shine a light forward for the next generation of young Black women and girls, showing them the limitless roles they can own in this industry. This day is not only a tribute to what has been achieved, but a call to action: to keep building, keep leading, and keep making room for ourselves and each other. The future is bright, and we are just getting started.”

The Diverse Representation x Wasserman Black Women in Sports Report (Part I) powerfully highlights the real-time influence of Black women fans and agents while simultaneously exposing the structural barriers that persist in an industry long overdue for change.

Key Data Highlights from the Report:

Significant Underrepresentation: Only 2.3% of all NFLPA-certified agents and just 2% of all NBPA-certified agents are Black women.

Barriers to Advancement: Over 87% of Black women agents operate their own firms, frequently citing a lack of advancement opportunities at mid-to-large agencies.

Visibility Gaps: Only 11.7% of Black women sports fans feel completely seen and represented by sports organizations.

Cultural Disconnect: Despite the surge in interest in women’s sports, 73% of Black women still only occasionally follow sports, identifying a lack of cultural representation as a key contributing factor.

Emotional Loyalty Drives Fandom: The primary motivator for Black women to attend sporting events is emotional loyalty to teams, not entertainment value alone, underscoring the profound relational power of their fandom.

“Being in partnership with Diverse Representation during this National Black Women in Sports Day gives Wasserman a great opportunity to shed light on the role of Black women across sports, give flowers and recognition to those continuing to pave a way forward and demonstrate thought-leadership on key issues that impact how Black women maneuver throughout this industry,” noted Lindsay LaBennett, Vice President, Impact & Inclusion at Wasserman. “We’re excited to use this moment for not just celebration, but for education and furthering a lot of great research work The Collective has achieved here at Wasserman.”

The comprehensive report will be released in two parts. Part I, launching July 7, 2025, focuses on Black women fans and agents. Part II is slated for November 2025 and will examine the experiences of Black women executives and athletes.

Follow @diverserepresentation and @wasserman to stay updated on the ongoing impact of Diverse Representation and Wasserman’s #BlackWomenInSports Report and further insights. Part I of the report is available on https://www.diverserepresentation.com/.

Media Contacts
Diverse Representation
diverserep@parcollective.co

Wasserman
Alyssa Dombrowski
adombrowski@teamwass.com