Serena Williams' husband Ohanian donates to Virginia, igniting outcry

In a significant move for women's athletics, Alexis Ohanian made a substantial donation to the University of Virginia's women's basketball program. This remains the largest gift ever received by the program, reflecting a broader trend in which investments in women's sports are gaining traction. The specific amount of the donation has not been disclosed. The university, acknowledging the impact of this gift, highlighted that it would help elevate the program into a premier destination for female student-athletes, addressing financial and competitive challenges in contemporary college athletics. Ohanian's commitment stems from his observation of the under-investment in women's sports and a growing realization that excellence in this field should not be viewed as mere charity but as a viable business opportunity that can yield substantial returns. Ohanian, who has a deep-rooted history with women's sports and is married to tennis superstar Serena Williams, expressed enthusiasm over the rising investment levels in women's athletics. He noted that the growing popularity of women's basketball has been consistently on his radar, influenced in part by the allure of the sport's burgeoning audience and the increasing interest demonstrated through social media platforms. His proximity to the university's location, being frequently in New York and living in Florida, enables him to support the program actively by attending games and engaging with the team. The program has historical significance, having been one of the elite women's basketball teams in the nation under coach Debbie Ryan from the late 1980s to the 1990s. It made 20 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, which cements its legacy and adds to Ohanian's optimism about future success. Current coach Tina Agugua-Hamilton has expressed gratitude for Ohanian's belief in the team's potential and the objective of recruiting and retaining top-tier student-athletes. Ohanian's critical stance against the historic disparities faced by women's sports, particularly highlighted during events like the NCAA tournament where facilities and resources were noticeably unequal to those provided to men's teams, aligns with his desire to reverse the culture of low expectations. He emphasizes the vital importance of shifting perceptions to view women’s sports as a crucial investment rather than a charitable endeavor, advocating for a more equitable landscape that celebrates women's athletic prowess while ensuring their growth and sustainability in the competitive sports arena.