I need help replying to this discussion. it's a small reply with in-text citations and reference lists (APA7) also provide an extra reference. Respond with some thoughts on the specific things mentioned in the post. The post should be about the reflection on the post, and less about thoughts on the subject of the post. It is not necessary to provide education on their topic.

post/ discussion: Personally, I think the recent popularity of women's sports is due to the exposure they receive now through social media. GIST (2023) talks about how Women's sports witnessed exponential growth in 2023 because sports leagues, sponsors, and media outlets are finally building women athletes the platforms they deserve. I have also seen the support women provide other women on social media. For example, in high school, one of my classmate's goals was to go to the Olympics and compete in Track. Girls in my school supported her and cheered her on. Even though we did not know much about the sport, we would share and express our support on our own personal social media. I am happy to say she is now working with NOW Sports-Brooks and training for the Olympics! I believe social media is a big part of why women's sports have recently become popular. Valery has been on big social media outlets, and I hope her story encourages more women to pursue their passion for sports. Social media helps people see that it is possible for women to be good at sports since, most of the time, Women's sports receive less media coverage.

Increasing popularity means more women will be inspired to participate in future women's sports. Smith(2024) predicts that in 2024, women's elite sports will generate revenue that passes 1 billion dollars. More women will take the challenge and join when they see they are improving in this industry. I also believe that there will be an increase in the number of women going into professional leagues, and they will have a higher possibility of getting a fair salary.

Women's sports may become equally popular as men's, but I don't see this happening soon. I don't think there will be equal financial success because women's professional leagues do not have the same resources as male professional leagues. Not to mention, we have a gender gap in pay, and despite the efforts, it's yet to be fixed.

Reference:

Smith, M. (2024). Women's sports could bring in over $1 billion in 2024-record-breaking viewership, stars like Caitlin Clark are driving growth. CNBC.Smith, M. (2024). Women's sports could bring in over $1 billion in 2024-record-breaking viewership, stars like Caitlin Clark are driving growth. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/08/womens-sports-could-bring-in-over-1-billion-in-2024-whats-driving-growth.html

GIST, T. (2023, December 10). The growth of Women's sports in 2023. The GIST. https://www.thegistsports.com/article/the-growth-of-womens-sports-in-2023/