Women’s Sports Foundation Annual Salute 2025 Celebrates Equality and Leadership in New York City

The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) brought together more than 700 athletes, industry leaders, and changemakers on October 22, 2025, for its Annual Salute to Women in Sports at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Recognized as the premier evening in women’s sports since 1980, the event celebrated WSF’s role as a catalyst. It highlighted their contributions to equality, health, leadership, and economic empowerment through the power of sport. Additionally, known as the WSF Annual Salute, this event has become a highlight for the women’s sports community.

Supported by WSF National Partners Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, ESPN, Gatorade, and NBC Sports, the gala showcased the Foundation’s mission. Their goal is to drive systemic change for girls and women across all levels of sport. This includes efforts from youth programs to professional leagues.

A Legacy of Impact

For more than 50 years, the Women’s Sports Foundation has championed Title IX, funded critical research, and supported athletes and organizations that continue to break barriers. The Annual Salute serves not only as a celebration of progress but also as a reminder. Achieving gender equity in sports requires collective effort.

“Since its founding, the Women’s Sports Foundation has worked to ensure that every girl and woman has equal opportunity to play and unlock their potential on and off the field,” said Billie Jean King. “Over 50 years later, one truth remains abundantly clear: continued progress in women’s sports requires all of us.”

Honoring Those Leading the Movement

The Annual Salute recognized four extraordinary honorees and two special spotlights for their transformative impact on the women’s sports landscape.

Michele Kang,  Billie Jean King Leadership Award

Entrepreneur and visionary investor Michele Kang received the Foundation’s top honor for her role in revolutionizing women’s sports. As the founder of Kynisca Sports, first global multi-team organization dedicated to women’s soccer, Kang has advanced professional visibility and investment for female athletes across soccer and rugby. Her leadership was recognized for elevating women in both sport and business.

Herbert Simon,  Champion for Equality Award

Herbert Simon, Owner and Chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, was honored for decades of dedication to gender equality and community development. Since introducing the Indiana Fever to the WNBA in 2000, Simon has been a cornerstone of women’s basketball and a passionate advocate for women’s sports leadership.

Alysia Montaño,  Wilma Rudolph Courage Award

Olympian and seven-time U.S. national champion Alysia Montaño received the Courage Award for her advocacy of maternal rights in sports. She is best known for competing while eight months pregnant during the 2014 U.S. Track & Field Championships. Montaño founded For All Mothers+, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting athlete moms. It also focuses on influencing policy change.

Diana Flores,  Re-Writing the Game Award

Flag football icon Diana Flores made history as the first recipient of WSF’s Re-Writing the Game Award, presented by Herbalife. As captain of Mexico’s National Flag Football Team and Global Ambassador for the NFL and IFAF, Flores led Mexico to gold at the 2022 World Games and a 2024 victory over Team USA. Her journey symbolizes the rise of women in emerging sports worldwide.

Spotlighting Culture, Accessibility, and Inclusion

Beyond individual honorees, the Foundation celebrated organizations transforming the landscape of women’s sports.

The Sports Culture Spotlight recognized TOGETHXR, the media and commerce platform co-founded by Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, Chloe Kim, and Jess Robertson. The platform was celebrated for its authentic storytelling. Also, it holds a commitment to representation across sport, activism, and fashion, which serves as a model for progressive sports media.

The Turnstone Center, an Indiana-based nonprofit, was also honored for its work in adaptive sports and inclusion. The organization empowers people with disabilities through athletic programs and community initiatives. This reflects WSF’s mission to champion diversity, accessibility, and equity in sports.

A Night of Inspiration and Influence

The gala was hosted by WSF trustees Arielle Chambers, Julie Foudy, LaChina Robinson, and Sarah Spain, who brought humor and reflection to an evening filled with inspiration.

The red carpet featured stars such as Swin Cash, Gabby Thomas, and Tamika Catchings. Additionally, there was a memorable appearance from the New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant, wearing custom Nike Air Force 1s. These were a playful symbol of how fashion and empowerment intersect in modern women’s sports.

“Tonight, we celebrate those whose leadership, vision, and courage continue to drive women’s sports forward,” said Danette Leighton, CEO of WSF. “When girls and women thrive in sports, they transform the future for everyone.”

Continuing the Mission

The evening was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of purpose. For more than five decades, the Women’s Sports Foundation has proven that investing in women in sports generates social, economic, and generational impact. Through research, grants, advocacy, and policy work, the Foundation remains a driving force for access, representation, and leadership.

To learn more about WSF’s programs and initiatives, visit the WSF Annual Salute page or follow @WomensSportsFdn on social media.