Women’s sports are often plagued by misconceptions, such as the belief that they aren't entertaining or worthy of advancement through increased funding, media coverage, and overall equality. Athletes Unlimited, however, is dismantling those misconceptions by fostering a culture of empowerment, community involvement, and sustainability through its athlete-driven model and commitment to equity. This year, Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball made Nashville, TN, its home for four weeks, further proving that any myths about women’s sports are completely wrong. AU Pro Basketball experienced record-breaking numbers in its four-year history, seeing a significant increase from last year’s record high, as well as growth in social media and media engagement. The numbers demand that Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball—and women’s sports in general—deserve flowers and endless recognition.
With this undeniable impact, it was an honor for Women for the Culture to witness firsthand how AU is reshaping the narrative around women’s sports. We also gained a deeper understanding of the overwhelmingly positive feedback from Nashville, which is why AU Pro Basketball has chosen to return in 2026. When you entered the doors of Nashville Municipal Auditorium, where all 24 games were held, you could feel the energy of the mutual relationship AU and its fans are building together—a relationship of support, community, and a shared desire for a legacy that grows and creates opportunities for future generations.
As I walked through the stadium, I saw fans passionately cheering and athletes connecting with them—hugging, signing autographs, stopping to take pictures, and hyping them up as they danced and enjoyed the fan festivities. There was a tangible sense of joy and support, with players interacting with their families and celebrating with their children. Notable athletes, coaches, and other well-known figures showed their support. The energy in the air was vibrant and electric, fueled by the shared sense of pride in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball’s impact. This further set the tone, highlighting that AU offers an atmosphere unlike any other. The AU staff also went above and beyond to ensure the comfort of not just the athletes, but also the fans and anyone involved in making these events come to life. This atmosphere of inclusivity and support is reflected in how Athletes Unlimited operates.
Unlike traditional leagues, AU has developed a system that allows every player to shine and showcase their unique qualities and attributes as professional athletes. AU has established a system of rotation that ensures all skills are visible—not just to fans but also to potential opportunities that can facilitate the advancement of players. This design is about creating a culture of sisterhood and celebration, where players from all backgrounds come together to support one another’s success, both on and off the court. It is a level playing field where every player is valued, and every game is an opportunity for advancement, solidarity, and supporting personal strengths.
As Athletes Unlimited continues to set the standard for sisterhood, community, and a lasting legacy, the excitement surrounding their expansion reflects the league’s commitment to empowering athletes, fostering inclusivity, and providing a platform for future generations to thrive. Sydney Colson, one of the key players driving this momentum and with an unwavering passion for the league’s future and impact, shared her excitement about the new faces and talent that will be joining the professional basketball league, while acknowledging the invaluable opportunities AU provides for athletes to further their careers. “I’m always just excited about the new faces that we’ll see…The more situations that we have stateside for players to play and for it to be competitive, the better the expansion teams will do. It’s helpful to WNBA GMs and coaches to be able to come here and see players”. This forward-thinking is another example of how Athletes Unlimited is setting the standard for a lasting legacy in women’s sports—creating space for players to thrive while honoring the importance of collaboration and inspiring action.
As we move through Women's History Month, it's essential to recognize the ongoing impact of organizations like Athletes Unlimited, whose dedication to uplifting women athletes, cultivating unity, fostering a strong community, and building a lasting legacy goes beyond any single moment in time. The work being done by AU, particularly showcased during the Athletes Unlimited Professional Basketball season, exemplifies this ongoing dedication. Megan Perry, Vice President of Basketball for Athletes Unlimited, captured this ethos perfectly during the Athletes Unlimited Professional Basketball Championship game press conference, when she said, 'while we celebrate the month, that's who we are 365 days a year. We will lean into it and celebrate it, but recognize that it's us all the time’. Athletes Unlimited is continuing to pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that the impact of women’s sports is not just a fleeting moment, but an enduring movement—one that reshapes the narrative and challenges the misconceptions surrounding women’s athletics. Through its efforts, Athletes Unlimited is leaving an indelible mark on the future of women’s sports, firmly establishing its place in history.
For exclusive post-game interviews, including the full conversations with Sydney Colson and Megan Perry, head over to Women for the Culture’s YouTube page.
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