• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

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

exclusive

Bipartisan Effort Mounts to Repeal Gambling Tax Hike in Trump Bill

The president signed the bill into law last week.
Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Bill Ackman
exclusive

Billionaire Bill Ackman Prepares for ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Tennis Match in..

Ackman says he’s “peaking next week” at the Hall of Fame Open.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
Sinner
July 11, 2025

ESPN Gets Dream Alcaraz-Sinner Rematch in Wimbledon Final

The pair have won the last six men’s majors.
July 11, 2025

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.
July 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.
July 10, 2025

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”