ABSTRACT
Over the last several decades, gender equity in sports has been defined through the construct of Title IX, the groundbreaking federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in educational programs that receive federal funding. Title IX dramatically increased the number of women and girls’ who participate in sports and the law also helped change cultural norms around such participation. This is especially true at the elite, Olympic movement level, where women are enjoying unprecedented success. Recently, elite female athletes have opened a new front in the battle for gender equity in sports. These women seek more than the right to participate, but to equal pay and benefits as well. Recent events involving the US Women’s Soccer and Hockey teams spotlighted these issues, with both teams receiving considerable public support. Their success in securing greater pay and benefits has paved the way for further reforms to guarantee that gender equity in sports goes beyond simply the right to participate.
