Women of NESN

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

Women of NESN (WON) is an initiative launched in 2024 dedicated to expanding the visibility of women’s sports and elevating female voices in sports media. Women continue to be underrepresented in both media coverage and sports media. WON’s objective is to change that by driving sustained coverage, fostering community engagement and creating opportunities for women as athletes, storytellers and decision-makers. Through expanded coverage, original storytelling, mentorship, and community engagement, WON is creating opportunities both in front of and behind the camera—setting new industry benchmarks, delivering record-breaking viewership, elevating talent, forging new partnerships, and proving the value of investing in women’s sports.

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

WON represents “Excellence in Engagement” by meeting the growing interest in women’s sports with a sustained, strategic approach that goes beyond a moment – it’s a movement. Despite unprecedented growth, women’s sports still receive only 5–15% of media coverage, and female representation in leadership roles remains low. However, fans — especially in New England — are craving more of that visibility. In fact, NESN viewers are 47% more likely than non-NESN viewers to be interested in women’s sports.

Recognizing this demand and the broader momentum behind women’s sports, NESN launched WON to expand coverage, amplify diverse voices, and invest in talent development, making NESN the go-to destination for women’s sports in New England. Through exclusive broadcasting rights, all-female production teams, and original content, WON has driven record-breaking engagement, elevated professional talent, and strengthened community connections.

WON sets a new benchmark for engagement by turning passive viewers into active participants through live broadcasts, mentorship, and community initiatives. By proving that investing in women’s sports drives engagement, WON challenges the industry – and inspires other networks – to move beyond occasional coverage and commit to sustained visibility, paving the way for broader, more equitable change.

Objective

As the first regional sports network (RSN) with a dedicated initiative to elevate women in sports, WON is committed to creating space and opportunities for women at every level – as athletes, storytellers, and decision-makers – within and beyond NESN’s four walls. By leveraging NESN’s platform, WON is establishing the network as the true home for women in sports and sports media, ensuring these stories resonate with fans across New England and beyond.

WON’s main objectives are to:

* Elevate Women in Sports: Become New England’s leading destination for women’s sports programming and content, driving visibility and recognition for women athletes and professionals.

* Amplify Representation and Diversify Sports: Increase learning opportunities for women both on-screen and behind the scenes, diversifying voices and perspectives in sports media.

* Create a Community that Champions Women in Sports: Foster an inclusive, supportive network of professionals, fans, and athletes who champion women’s achievements, inspire future generations, and authentically engage through meaningful discussions and mentorship opportunities.

* Make Space for Impactful Conversations: Taking the lead on critical dialogues on women’s sports and media, driving change and shifting perspectives and perceptions.

Strategy & Execution

Interest in women’s sports is rising – especially in New England, where NESN viewers are 47% more likely than non-NESN viewers to engage with women’s sports. Originally an internal resource group, WON launched publicly in 2024 to amplify women’s sports through coverage/platform expansion, innovative storytelling, and fostering talent and community.

* Content & Coverage Expansion. Expanded coverage of live women’s sports, including PWHL and Hockey East, totaling over 140 games in 2023-24. Became PWHL’s first broadcast partner, airing 42 games, and renewed for a second season with its first official sponsor, Bauer.
Innovative Storytelling: Developed original programs, platforms, and content to tell the stories of women on the field/rink, in front of, and behind the camera, including the Respect Her Game vodcast, a weekly video podcast with high-profile female athletes.

* Talent Development & Mentorship:
1. Created career pathways, such as the Emerging Talent Program – a 12-month rotational program – to nurture on-air and BTS talent.
2. Made history with female-led broadcasts, including the first all-female Red Sox broadcast duo and the Women’s Beanpot’s female-led production crew at TD Garden.

* Building Community: Organized professional development and educational initiatives, such as the Sports Girls Club Annual Conference and Breaking Barriers Panel.

Organizations

• NESN
• CTP Boston

Links

•   Website

Credits

Cosmina Schulman
Chief Advertising Revenue Officer
NESN

Casey Blossom
Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications
NESN

Emily Langan
Sr. Manager, Marketing
NESN

Amy Kaplan
Coordinating Producer, Boston Red Sox
NESN

Justine Pouravelis
Director, Original Content
NESN

Courtney Maag
Sr. Manager, Content Planning
NESN

Marissa Dianas Dianas
Short Form Original Content Manager
NESN

Caylee Allard
Social Media Manager
NESN

Holly Burgess
Director of Traffic and DEIB Strategic Partners
NESN

Yasmine Kanaan
Director of Business Strategy & Development
NESN

Bethany Castellano
Regional Partnership Strategist
NESN

Bethany Marshall
Supervising Producer
NESN

Paige Rush
Producer
NESN

Larissa Lee
Graphic Designer
NESN

Anna Gregoire
Content Producer
NESN

Ally Peto
Assistant Content Producer
NESN

Christine Smith
Director, Regional Partnerships
NESN

Aiyana Langa
Social & Digital Sponsorship Coordinator
NESN

Eumie Rosiclair
IT Support Supervisor
NESN

Lexi Panepinto
Account Director
CTP Boston

Brynn Sandy
Account Supervisor
CTP Boston

Todd Graff
Senior PR and Communications Strategist
CTP Boston