Gender Pay Gap In Sports Essay

Gender pay gap is a prevalent issue in the sports industry, where female athletes are paid significantly less than their male counterparts. The gender pay gap in sports exists across all levels, from amateur to professional, and in virtually every sport. The gap is particularly wide in high-profile, male-dominated sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis. With that, there are several factors that contribute to the gender pay gap in sports, but two of the main reasons are limited sponsorships, media attention towards women in sports. The gender wage gap in sports is significantly impacted by the lack of sponsorship opportunities. In comparison to male athletes, female athletes frequently have fewer options to secure sponsorships, which has an impact on their ability to make money. A better way putting it is the quote stated by the Zippia Team “Female athletes get paid less because, in general, the professional sports leagues that female athletes are involved with have smaller audiences and generate a lot less revenue than male professional sports leagues.” (Zippia Team). With that, companies see the expansion in their brand with male athletes for a fan base and the attention they receive

Most women's exposure is not related to sports but to their attraction and looks. Female athletes are often portrayed in the media in a way that differs from their male counterparts. This was discovered by a 2018 study from Sports Illustrated Magazines “Female athletes are more likely to be depicted in sexually objectified ways” (Sports Illustrated Magazines). They are frequently sexualized and objectified, with a greater emphasis placed on their physical appearance and fashion choices than their athletic ability. The media also tends to highlight female athletes' personal lives and relationships, while male athletes are primarily judged on their athletic