Women Cheering for Women: A Game-Changing Moment with WPL

Women’s sports have always faced an uphill battle for recognition. It’s an uncomfortable truth, but undeniable. When you think of female athletes in India, you often have to dig a little deeper into your memory. But, with the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), things are starting to change—and it’s been phenomenal to witness. The viewership has been impressive, even taking the BCCI by surprise. However, one statistic still stands out: the relatively low female viewership for WPL.

This got me thinking—why aren’t more women tuning in? How can we, as women, ensure that we show up for each other, not just in the boardroom or business world but in every space, including sports?

She Capital’s Initiative: A Night to Remember

On March 26th, we decided to take a step in the right direction. She Capital brought together 18-20 amazing female founders in Bangalore for the UP Warriors vs. Mumbai Indians match. Our mission? Simple—get more women to cheer for women. It wasn’t just about cricket; it was about creating a moment where we, as female entrepreneurs, come together, not just for business, but to celebrate the achievements of women across all fields.

The evening was magical. I had the honor of watching the game alongside some of the most inspiring female entrepreneurs I know—Ezhil Subbian, Lathika Pai, Ruchi Deepak, Neha Bagaria, Nidhi Singh, Rimjhim Agrawal (Ph.D.), Laina Emmanuel, Lavanya Nalli, Dr. Chytra Anand, and others. These are women who have made waves in their respective industries and continue to push boundaries as female founders and leaders.

Why Women in Sports and Business Have So Much in Common

Sports, much like business, is all about resilience, grit, and teamwork. Watching the fierce competition on the field reminded me of our own journeys in the entrepreneurial world. We’ve faced our share of challenges, but we’ve also shown that we have the strength to rise. As female founders and leaders, it’s essential that we take the same determination and bring it into every space—whether it's venture capital, entrepreneurship, or sports.

The Power of Collaboration: She Capital x Capri Sports

This event was made even more special by our collaboration with Capri Sports. Together, we hosted an evening that wasn’t just about watching a cricket match—it was about building connections, sharing stories, and empowering one another. Jinisha Sharma and her team at Capri Sports are truly changing the game, and it felt serendipitous when our taglines “Together we can” and “Change the game” were printed side by side.

The night was a reminder of how far women have come, not just in sports but also in leadership roles across industries. Women venture capitalists and business leaders, much like athletes, are constantly striving to break new ground, and events like these show the importance of coming together to push the envelope.

A Celebration Beyond the Match

After the match, we continued the celebration with an after-party hosted by Neha Bagaria. Wine, cheese, and lively conversations flowed, and the energy in the room was electric. This wasn’t just a networking event; it was a gathering of like-minded women who are all playing pivotal roles in shaping the future. As female VC fund managers and business leaders, it’s crucial to create more opportunities like this to come together, share ideas, and celebrate our collective victories.

Final Thoughts: Showing Up for Each Other

What this event reinforced for me is that success is not an individual journey—it’s a collective one. Just as these women athletes need our cheers from the stands, so do female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses need us to show up for them. Visibility matters, whether in sports or in the world of business, and when we support each other, we create a ripple effect that can lead to lasting change.

As the WPL continues to grow and inspire future generations, we must also continue to show up—not just as spectators but as active participants in the narrative. Whether it’s in sports or in business, women venture capitalists and leaders are changing the game. And when we come together, the possibilities are limitless.