At the TIME100 Gala on April 25, Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and a recognized figure on TIME's 100 Most Influential People list, delivered a supportive speech for women's sports. During his address, Mahomes highlighted the growing attention and achievements within women's sports, citing significant viewership milestones like the women's NCAA tournament final and Coco Gauff's US Open match. He specifically praised A'Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, encouraging attendees to recognize the talent in women’s sports by viewing Wilson's highlights.
Additionally, Mahomes and his wife Brittany, who attended the event together, are part-owners of the Kansas City Current, a team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The couple's involvement in women’s sports extends to their investment in the Current’s stadium, noted as the first specifically built for a women's team. Mahomes expressed pride in their contributions and emphasized the necessity for continued investment in women’s sports, not only from a financial standpoint but also through increased media attention and public engagement. The speech underscored the increasing popularity and recognition of women's sports leagues, including expectations of amplified viewership for the WNBA following Caitlin Clark's draft by the Indiana Fever.