The NFL is bringing in two of the biggest names in sports—Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark—to set the stage at this year’s league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. The tennis legend and college basketball superstar will join a panel discussion alongside Eli Manning, hosted by Mellody Hobson, co-owner of the Denver Broncos. Their presence isn’t just for show—it signals the league’s growing investment in women’s sports and the broader push to expand the game’s influence.
NFL prioritizes women’s sports as flag football gains momentum
For years, the NFL has been working to expand its reach beyond the traditional football audience, and women’s sports are now a key part of that strategy. One of the biggest drivers of this shift is flag football, which is set to debut as an Olympic sport in 2028. The league has been heavily involved in promoting the game, particularly for women, and Williams and Clark bring unique perspectives as pioneers in their respective sports.
Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president, emphasized that this panel isn’t just about discussion—it’s about learning from the best. “The NFL is certainly interested in learning from the experience of some of the greatest athletes who have ever lived,” Miller said.
Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president of football operations, also added, “This is really about the momentum over the last few years.”
Why Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark are the perfect voices to shape the NFL’s future
Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark might not be football players, but their influence on the sports world extends far beyond tennis and basketball. Serena and her sister Venus made history in 2009 when they became part-owners of the Miami Dolphins, the first Black women to hold stakes in an NFL franchise.
Clark, meanwhile, has been vocal about her aspirations to one day become a sports owner herself, setting the stage for a potential future role in professional football.
Mellody Hobson, who will moderate the panel, is another key figure in the conversation. As co-CEO of Ariel Investments and part-owner of the Broncos, she’s a prime example of how women are making strides in leadership roles within the league.
Bringing in Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark to headline a major NFL event is more than just a headline-grabbing moment—it’s a statement. The league is making it clear that women’s sports are part of the future of football.
