University of Oregon in a New Initiative to Advance Women in Sports

Wasserman Media Group is partnering with the Univerity of Oregon to launch “The Collective Think Tank,” an initiative dedicated to advancing women in sports. The partnership, which includes 10 schools in the United States, Canada and Europe, will leverage the University of Oregon’s research power by engaging students in programs like the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the Lundquist College of Business. It also will tap a pool of faculty experts who will be matched with research funding through Wasserman’s industry partners to look at issues such as pay equity, product design, maternity in sport, and other topics that affect women.

A sports marketing and talent management company, Wasserman’s goal with founding the initiative is to study inequities women face in sports and publish insights based on data and research that will inform new approaches in the industry. Wasserman officials also want to raise awareness of the issues among fans, consumers, and participants.

The Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the Univerity of Oregon is led by director Whitney Wagoner. She states that “we have always been champions of the role of women in this industry. So this is a celebration, an affirmation and an amplification of what already exists.”

“The think tank looks at bigger issues than buying tickets and sporting gear,” adds Carlyn Schreck, assistant vice president of presidential initiatives at the university. “We’re looking at societal issues, like how does sport help move women’s rights and the needs of women and families forward.”