the story behind women’s sports xcelerator
Kari Mills, Founder of Women’s Sports Xcelerator
Sports have always been part of who I am — first as an athlete, always as a fan, and later through my work building brands at global companies like Gatorade and Life Fitness. I’ve led major campaigns, launched new products, and worked alongside some of the most respected names and brands in sports.
But one moment recently brought everything into focus. I was sitting in the stands at a women’s college basketball championship game. The energy on the court was electric. The game went into triple overtime, and every player left it all out there.
The team pulled off a historic underdog win, earning their first March Madness appearance in over a decade…And yet, the stands were mostly empty.
That moment stayed with me because it revealed a major disconnect. While women’s sports are growing rapidly and the excitement is undeniable, many high-caliber women’s college programs still lack the visibility and investment they deserve.
And it is not because the product isn’t strong. It is because women’s college sports are playing by an outdated playbook that doesn’t prioritize the women’s brand.
That’s where Women’s Sports Xcelerator comes in. We help women’s college programs grow by building stronger brands, expanding their fan base, and creating new revenue generating opportunities. Our goal is simple — grow the business of women’s sports by growing the community around it.
We are not here to be an extension of the men’s programs. We are building something original, rooted in authenticity, connection, and community.
Because when you take women’s sports seriously as a business, everything changes. More fans. More exposure. More dollars. More opportunity.
Let’s build this!
