Dick’s Sporting Goods Offered Equipment for Women Athletes, but the NCAA Declined

Dick’s Sporting Goods was one of the brands that sought to address the inequities between male and female athletes during March Madness—but the NCAA said its help was not needed. In a tweet last Friday, Dick’s shared a photo of three U-Haul trucks, which it noted were packed and ready to go to San Antonio, where the women’s basketball tournament tipped off yesterday. https://twitter.com/DICKS/status/1373003157467463685 Dick's ready to send weights, treadmills and stationary bikes Peter Land, svp and chief communications and sustainability officer at Dick’s, told Adweek the retailer noticed what was happening on social media and “started reaching out to a number of college strength coaches to get their advice about what equipment we would need to pull together for the women’s teams.” Land said Dick’s was ready to send weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, foam rollers and yoga mats, which it pulled from local inventory. And, after reaching out to multiple NCAA executives, Dick’s turned to Twitter. “We didn’t hear back Friday, so we reached back out on Saturday morning,” Land said. “By 11 am Saturday, the NCAA got back to us and said that they had addressed the situation.” In an email to Adweek, an NCAA spokesperson said the organization appreciates the offers it received. “Issues raised by teams already have been addressed and efforts are well underway to address any remaining concerns,” she added. Disparities in access to sports equipment It was posts like these from players and coaches alike highlighting the disparities that led brands to act. https://twitter.com/sedonaprince_/status/1372736231562342402 https://twitter.com/dawnstaley/status/1373064039211876358 The expanded weight rooms now include more weights, benches, squat racks, exercise bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, resistance bands and yoga mats. That’s up from a single rack of weights. The NCAA did not respond to a question about where it sourced the additional equipment, but noted, “We donated any delivered contributions to charity.” Oregon forward Sedona Prince documented the revamped facility on social media and thanked the NCAA for listening. https://twitter.com/sedonaprince_/status/1373365271277223938 Land, too, said he’s happy with the outcome. “Bottom line is that our teams pulled together quickly to try and support the women athletes and provide them with what they needed,” he said. “We are pleased, though, that the NCAA recognized that something needed to be done." Workout studio chain Orangetheory Fitness also offered equipment and studio space to the athletes participating in the tournament. 4 Female Olympians Form Media Company to Boost Coverage of Women in Sports