Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, has been an outspoken advocate and investor in women’s sports, playing a pivotal role alongside his wife and tennis legend Billie Jean King in elevating the visibility and support for women athletes. Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a serial entrepreneur, has not only backed women’s sports financially but has also used his platform to champion gender equality in athletics.
Throughout Williams’ illustrious career, which saw her retire as a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion in 2022, Ohanian has been a steadfast supporter. He acknowledges her impact not only on the court but also as a cultural icon who, alongside her sister Venus, challenged the norms in tennis, historically dominated by white privileged players. The Williams sisters became symbols of empowerment for the Black community and advocates for diversity in sports.
Billie Jean King, another trailblazer in women’s sports, left a lasting legacy not just for her 12 Grand Slam singles titles but for her instrumental role in founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. The WTA aimed to bridge the gender gap in tennis, a mission that continues to resonate today under King’s leadership in promoting equality and opportunity for women athletes worldwide.
Recently, Ohanian and Williams were spotlighted in a Los Angeles Times article titled “Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams: Sports Power Couple,” highlighting their joint efforts to expand women’s sports. One of their significant contributions includes co-owning Angel City FC, a new addition to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), slated to debut in the 2022 season. Alongside King and other prominent figures, Ohanian and Williams have positioned themselves as advocates for women’s sports growth and development.
In a social media post, Ohanian expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles Times and acknowledged the collective effort in advancing women’s sports. “The impact we’ve had is significant, and I’m incredibly proud of that. But the momentum was already building… I just jumped on board,” he remarked. He credited his wife Serena, Billie Jean King, soccer star Alex Morgan, and other pioneers for paving the way and shining a spotlight on women in sports for decades.
Beyond their ownership in Angel City FC, Ohanian continues to use his influence to amplify the achievements of women athletes across various sports. When WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark received praise from the NBA for her preseason performance with the Indiana Fever, Ohanian took to social media to celebrate. “Even the NBA is hyped for women’s sports. Let’s go!” he exclaimed, highlighting the growing enthusiasm and support from major leagues towards women athletes.
Ohanian has not shied away from critiquing the barriers women’s sports face, including insufficient investment stemming from systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and business oversight. His advocacy underscores a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable landscape for women in athletics, ensuring they receive the recognition and resources they deserve.
As Ohanian and Williams continue to push boundaries in sports ownership and advocacy, their influence remains pivotal in shaping a future where women athletes thrive and inspire generations to come.