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Just Women’s Sports to produce live NWSL Championship preview show exclusively on TikTok

JWS | Women's Sport Coverage

“The Warm Up” on TikTok LIVE to be co-hosted by former USWNT stars Leslie Osborne and Angela Hucles on-site in Louisville

November 16, 2021 — Just Women’s Sports will produce a live preview show exclusively on TikTok LIVE ahead of the NWSL Championship Game. The Warm Up, co-hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars Leslie Osborne and Angela Hucles, will begin at 10:45 am ET on Saturday, November 20.

In addition, JWS will partner with Nike to provide comprehensive NWSL coverage and analysis in the lead-up to the Championship, which fans can find exclusively on JWS channels. Throughout the playoffs, Osborne has served as Just Women’s Sports’ NWSL playoffs correspondent and analyst, breaking down pre-game expectations, in-game play, and post-game reaction via Instagram Live.

Osborne and Hucles will be on the ground at Lynn Family Stadium to co-host The Warm Up, providing fans with crucial insights and analysis before the Chicago Red Stars and the Washington Spirit take to the field. Osborne, an entrepreneur and soccer analyst, and Hucles, the Vice President of Player Development and Operations for Angel City FC and soccer analyst, were both key members of the USWNT, contributing to a combined two World Cups and two Olympic games and at the club level, played critical roles in establishing the NWSL.

Beyond The Warm Up, JWS, in partnership with Nike, will deliver full comprehensive coverage of the Championship game, dispatching a cross-channel team to cover the match on-site including live reporting and social media coverage exclusively on JWS’s properties. On-air coverage will continue after the match on Instagram Live with Osborne’s post-game commentary hosted by Just Women’s Sports.

Just Women’s Sports’ live programming around the playoffs and Championship game marks a pivotal expansion of the platform’s sports coverage as the rapidly growing media company continues to deliver on its mission to give these world class athletes the coverage they deserve and to make it easier for fans to find it.

“Our live NWSL Championship coverage is a significant moment for us as we continue to build an in-depth and substantial media ecosystem for women’s sports while partnering with major brands such as TikTok and Nike,” said Haley Rosen, Founder and CEO, Just Women’s Sports. “I firmly believe that for women’s sports to grow, fans need coverage that matches the hype created by these incredible athletes. The Warm Up, and all of our NWSL Championship coverage, is a significant step forward in showing that these marquee games create the same excitement as other sporting events.”

“I’m so excited to be part of the Just Women’s Sports 2021 NWSL Championship coverage. I believe so much in their mission to provide in-depth coverage of women’s sports. The NWSL continues to grow leaps and bounds with savvy fans who are looking for creative coverage, the social experience and the vibe that JWS brings as a media platform,” said Osborne. “The best part is that I get to do it alongside my former teammate, fellow broadcaster, entrepreneur, and mom, Angela Hucles.”

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reunite with Leslie and work with Just Women’s Sports as part of their NWSL Championship coverage,” said Hucles. “I’m a big believer in JWS’ mission and am proud to be a part of their effort to create a much-needed platform for female athletes and fans alike.”

Launched in 2020 by Rosen, Just Women’s Sports provides news and analysis of women’s sports through exclusive interviews, podcasts, videos, and other media content, and has quickly grown a passionate audience of fans, followers, and listeners. In addition to its Just Women’s Sports podcast hosted by USWNT star Kelley O’Hara, JWS recently launched Snacks, a podcast co-hosted by USWNT stars Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, and is home to Tea with A & Phee, the popular podcast hosted by 2020 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier. JWS also features Off the Ball hosted by Olympian and NWSL star Ali Riley, and created The Soccer Show, a first-of-its-kind digital weekly highlights-driven show covering the FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) through an exclusive premium content partnership with Ata Football.

In May, Just Women’s Sports announced it had raised $3.5 million in seed funding, led by Will Ventures with participation from Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s Thirty Five Ventures, Drive by DraftKings, OVO Fund, Supernode Global as well as an all-star roster of women’s sports superstars including Elena Delle Donne, Hilary Knight, Sam Mewis, Kelley O’Hara and Arike Ogunbowale.

MEDIA CONTACT

Rachel Zuckerman, 610-724-5078, [email protected]

About Just Women’s Sports Inc.

Established in 2020, Just Women’s Sports Inc. is a digital-first consumer media brand 100% dedicated to covering women’s sports. Through daily content including podcasts, newsletters, online content and social media, Just Women’s Sports brings you everything you need to see and know in the world of women’s sports. Find Just Women’s Sports online, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

About Leslie Osborne

Leslie Osborne, is an entrepreneur and sports broadcaster, having covered the FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019 for Fox Sports, and was a member of the US Women’s National Team from 2004 to 2008. During the 2007 World Cup, Osborne was a central piece of the USWNT’s midfield, starting and playing a full 90-minutes in all but one of the tournament’s games. In addition to her international career, Osborne played professionally for the Boston Breakers and the Chicago Red Stars. Osborne won an NCAA title at Santa Clara University and as a senior, received the Honda Sports Award – a recognition of her stellar performance as a female college athlete.

About Angela Hucles

Angela Hucles, the Vice President of Player Development and Operations for Angel City FC and soccer analyst, was a member of the US Women’s National Team from 2002 to 2009, winning two Olympic gold medals over the span of her career as well as two third place World Cup finishes. Hucles played for the Boston Breakers and was the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s 2009 Humanitarian of the Year. Prior to her professional career, Hucles played at the University of Virginia where she still holds the record for game winning goals.

USC’s Aaliyah Gayles Opens Up About Her Journey Back to Basketball

USC Basketball - Aaliyah Gayles

As part of our 1-v-1 video series, USC’s India Otto sat down to interview her teammate Aaliyah Gayles. Here are five things to know from our conversation with the redshirt freshman guard from Las Vegas.

#1 Aaliyah suffered from a near-death act of violence in 2022.

The incident taught her a lot about herself and the support around her. “[USC] Coach Lindsay [Gottlieb] was one of the first people to fly out there and come see me. That means a lot to me off the court.” 

#2 Her favorite USC memory is when she surprised her teammates after getting out of the hospital.

She left her walker at the door to show she was on the road to returning to the court. “That was my favorite memory because it was family. It was my first time being able to walk to you guys and see you practice.”

#3 There's a reason she wears #3.

#3 was her grandpa’s favorite number and a golden number in her life. Plus, AG3 has a nice ring to it. 

#4 She has a list of basketball GOAT’s:

Candace Parker, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Cason Wallace.

#5 There have been many celebrity appearances at USC’s games over the years, especially this season.

Aaliyah’s favorites include Will Ferrell, Kehlani, and Saweetie. And she hopes Lil Durk will come to watch a game soon.

Watch the full conversation on the Just Women’s Sports YouTube channel.

Gotham, USWNT forward Midge Purce out with ACL tear

(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Midge Purce announced on Wednesday that she has torn her ACL. 

The Gotham FC and USWNT forward went down with the injury on Sunday during Gotham’s 1-0 win after tweaking it earlier in the game. Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós did not have any immediate updates following the match, with further evaluation revealing the tear. 

“It’s a reality I’m still struggling with and has left me with not too much to say,” Purce wrote in a statement on social media. “I’m heartbroken to no longer be available for my season with Gotham FC or for Olympic selection with the USWNT – know I’m rooting for you both all year long. 

“Though you may not see it, I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field.”

Purce is just the latest women's soccer star to tear her ACL, and joins USWNT teammate Mia Fishel in having torn her ACL in the last couple of months. Other notable players include Catarina Macario and Christen Press, with Macario only just returning to the USWNT lineup after tearing hers in 2022. 

International stars such as Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson have also suffered ACL tears. 

Purce’s injury caused Amorós to call out the international schedule, which has been a growing point of concern as more players fall victim to injuries and the playing schedule becomes more packed. Kansas City’s Debinha suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s opening game, while both Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle have yet to play for Gotham due to injuries picked up during the W Gold Cup. 

“We lost Midge during the game which for me is a bittersweet flavor,” Amorós told reporters after Sunday’s game. “By the way, it’s another player that came from the Gold Cup. Last week, it was Debinha. We are paying the consequences of a tournament that shouldn’t have happened.”

“We’re talking about protecting the players, [who shouldn’t] go to play an international competition after one week of preseason,” Amorós continued. “We’ve seen the consequences now. We’ve got Rose, Lynn, last week it was Debinha in Kansas [City] and now we have Midge. From my experience, the clubs are going to keep paying for that competition."

In her statement, Purce said that “so many friends, teammates and even players I’ve only ever competed against” reached out to offer support. 

“I am so blessed,” she wrote. “Your messages have meant so much to me throughout this process, you have consoled what, for a moment, felt inconsolable. Thank you for reminding me that our football world is not only full with incredibly talent but also, incredible kindness.”

Lauren Jackson included on Australia Olympics roster

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Lauren Jackson of Australia celebrates with team mates after playing her final Opals game during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 3rd place match between Canada and Australia at Sydney Superdome, on October 01, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Lauren Jackson has come out of retirement once again to compete for a spot on Australia’s Olympic roster. 

Jackson was included on the 26-player roster named by coach Sandy Brondello on Tuesday that will take part in training camps, tours and games in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. The roster will eventually be whittled down to just 12 players selected from the 26 named on Tuesday.

Jackson helped Australia qualify for the Olympics with a win over Germany in February. After that, she announced her retirement, revealing that she struggled to spend so much time away from her two young children. 

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that Jackson and the basketball federation had come to an agreement in which they would help cover costs for her children to travel with the team for training camps and the Olympics. 

She’s largely expected to make the Opals’ Olympic roster. 

"It's always an exciting time to announce an Olympic squad and I congratulate all the athletes," Opals coach Sandy Brondello said. "They all know what it means to play for Australia and they all want the opportunity to represent their country at an Olympics. Our squad is full of exceptional talent and they will make the decision to pick a final 12 very difficult."

At the 2022 FIBA World Cup, Jackson helped Australia win a bronze medal with 30 points against Canada. She had previously retired in 2016 due to knee injuries, but slowly made a return in a domestic Australian league the last few years.

Jackson has won four Olympic medals, including three consecutive silver medals starting with Sydney in 2000 when she was a teenager. 

First two rounds of NCAA tournament boast record attendance, viewership

(David K Purdy/Getty Images)

The first two rounds of the women’s NCAA tournament broke attendance and viewership records set just last year – and it wasn’t even close. 

The NCAA announced on Tuesday that attendance for the first two rounds of the tournament was more than 292,000 – up from last year’s record, when almost 232,000 fans attended the first two rounds.

Among the host sites, Iowa had the biggest crowds with nearly 29,000 fans packing Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the first and second rounds. 

"We expected the historic success and quality of play and high level of competition from the regular season would carry through into March Madness. Our championship is again delivering," NCAA vice president of women's basketball Lynn Holzman said in a statement. "Record crowds, ratings, incredible performances and evolving storylines will continue to make the next two weeks a must-see for fans across the world."

And for those that couldn’t attend the sold-out Iowa games, they watched on television. Monday’s matchup between Iowa and West Virginia drew 4.9 million viewers, setting a record for a women’s D-I tournament game prior to the Final Four. 

It is also the third most watched tournament game in the last 20 years, behind last year’s national championship between LSU and Iowa (9.92 million) and Iowa’s Final Four win over South Carolina (5.6 million).

Iowa’s game against Holy Cross in the first round drew 3.23 million viewers. 

But it wasn’t just Iowa drawing big viewership. ESPN’s five games on Monday averaged 2.25 million viewers. UConn and Syracuse drew 2.05 million viewers while LSU and Middle Tennessee on ABC drew 2.01 million viewers on Sunday. 

The full, 16-game slate for the second round averaged 1.4 million viewers – a 121% increase from last year and the highest average ever for the second round.

The full tournament so far is averaging 812,000 viewers per game, a 108% increase from last year.

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