The Study of Gender Inequality in College and Professional Sports
Date of Award
Summer 6-15-2025
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Ryan Hubbard
Abstract
This project studied the relationship between gender inequality in college and professional sports. Funding, airtime, and pay have all been topics of conversation through the years when talking about inequality. Men’s athletes tend to receive more airtime and higher pay through multiple sports and competitions. This research aimed to educate the population on discrepancies and to inform people that there is a lack of equality. There is a bias of opinion that men’s sports are aired more often due to the popularity of the games. Through observational research, data was collected on the March Madness tournament and compared the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball teams. The information was then displayed in charts which allowed for easy comparison. If applied, the goal of this study would be to create equal airtime between each game during the NCAA basketball tournament. From there, further research can be done on other tournaments whether that be professional or college.