• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 9, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

Athletes Unlimited Is 1st Pro League Designated as Public Benefit Corporation

  • Athletes Unlimited is the first and only professional sports league to be structured as a Public Benefit Corporation.
  • The innovative women’s sports league released its first PBC report on Tuesday.
Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Athletes Unlimited is the first and only professional sports league to be structured as a Public Benefit Corporation, the company announced Tuesday. 

The innovative women’s sports league released its first PBC report — one of the requirements of the classification — detailing the work it has done to create a successful business, and to affect positive social change.

Athletes Unlimited currently runs four women’s leagues with a player-centric structure. During its inaugural five-week basketball season, athletes made an average of $20,000.

The designation doesn’t make Athletes Unlimited a nonprofit. It codifies the for-profit company’s duty not just to its shareholders, investors, and bottom line, but also other stakeholders and a mission related to social impact.

Athletes are one of the major stakeholders in that group, co-founder and CEO Jon Patricof told Front Office Sports. 

The league first aims to deliver “incredibly high quality pro women’s professional sports,” Patricof said.

But “the mission and goal for our organization is that it will have a positive impact on the world, a positive impact on society, and a positive impact on future generations.”

Three commitments the report details include player well-being, leadership development, and uplifting diversity.

Athletes Unlimited may be the only professional league with this designation, but it’s not the only sports company — Patagonia also operates as a PBC.

Since 2020, there has been a spike in PBCs nationwide, according to Forbes. 

“I hope that this is a model that inspires other sports organizations.” Patricof said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Elon Musk looks on before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Can Elon Musk’s X Fix Its Rampant Fake Sports News Problem?

Little is known about how X will enforce its new policy aimed at parody accounts.
Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee leads SMU on to the field before the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Pittsburgh Panthers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Every Power 4 Championship Game Will Have a Conference Newcomer

Oregon, SMU, Texas, and Arizona State will all play for titles.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Aaron Rodgers

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.
December 5, 2024

Hamilton’s Mercedes Era Ends in F1 Finale Amid Rising Tensions, Drama

Hamilton delivered eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships for Mercedes.
Oct 14, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
December 4, 2024

Juan Soto’s $600M Free-Agent Saga Nears Endgame: The Finalists?

The coveted free-agent outfielder remains poised to sign a historic deal.