MAY 7, 2026
REWATCH THE espnW SUMMIT NYC
All of our Summit conversations are available on-demand here.The espnW Summit NYC took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026. It was a day of conversation and inspiration, all focused on driving change and impact in the women + sports space.
We brought together thought-leaders, professional athletes, and agents of change across sports and entertainment for an experience that left attendees inspired and ready to take action!
WHAT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
“The opportunity to engage with other women outside of my field was truly amazing.”
“Must-see event”
"Transformative!
Will make you run through a wall for women and advancing the women’s sports movement.”
“Bringing women and allies together to further change.”
“Well-produced experience bringing together voices from across the women’s sport landscape.”
“A wonderful opportunity to network, listen to and engage with some of the brightest individuals in the business.”
“Phenomenal”
“High quality speakers, conversations and energy!”
“An incredible gathering of like minded people rooted at the common goal to create sustainable growth in women’s sport, unapologetically, professionally, and truthfully.”
AGENDA
Join us for insights, conversation, and connection with leading voices and
personalities across the women + sports space.
Thursday, May 7
8:00 - 8:45am
Morning Workout with Tone House
In-Person Only
9:00 - 10:00am
On-Site Registration and Breakfast
In-Person Only
10:00 - 10:15am
Summit NYC Welcome and Opening with Sarah Spain
10:15 - 10:50am
Women at the Helm: The New Class of Team Executives
A conversation with three new leading voices at the head of women's professional sports teams.
Featuring Kari Fleischauer, COO, Gotham FC, Jami Lobpries, GM, Portland Cascade, and Meghan Turner, GM, Seattle Torrent with Sarah Spain
10:50 - 11:35am
espnW Keynote Conversation with USA Women's Hockey
Featuring Olympic Gold Medalists, Laila Edwards, Caroline Harvey, and Hannah Bilka with Emily Kaplan.
11:35 - 12:05pm
AUSL Season Preview
Featuring AUSL athletes Odicci Alexander, Chicago Bandits, Sis Bates, Portland Cascade, Michaela Edenfield, Texas Volts, Dallas Escobedo Magee, Utah Talons, Ana Gold, Carolina Blaze, and Kinzie Hansen-McKinzie, Oklahoma City Spark, with Christine Williamson.
12:05 - 1:15pm
Lunch
In-Person Only
1:15 - 1:50pm
Purpose-Built: Facilities for Women's Sports
A look behind-the-curtain into the development and building of women's sport-specific stadiums and facilities.
Featuring Asrat Alemu, Vice President of Ariel Project Level, Avi Greene, Senior Associate & Architect at Populous, and Sherri Privitera, Senior Principal Women’s Professional Sports Director with Christine Williamson.
1:50 - 2:20pm
Keynote Conversation: Breezy Johnson
Featuring Olympic Downhill Gold Medalist Breezy Johnson with Sarah Spain.
2:20 - 2:40pm
Building a Franchise: Women's Sports Sundays
Featuring ESPN’s Roz Durant, Executive VP, Programming & Acquisitions, and Susie Piotrkowski, Vice President of Women’s Sports Programming and espnW with Christine Williamson.
2:40 - 4:05pm
Afternoon Refresh and Movement Break
In-Person Only
4:05 - 4:20pm
Health Takes All of Us: Lilly Power Talk
A W. Power Talk with Eli Lilly and Company focused on how their investment in women's sports drives broader health and societal impact.
Featuring Megan Suttile, AVP of Media & Partnerships, Lilly.
4:20 - 5:00pm
The Women of ESPN: NFL Edition
Honest and lively conversation taking you behind the scenes with some of the incredible women who lead NFL coverage on ESPN.
Featuring Mina Kimes, NFL Analyst, Senior Writer, Podcast Host & Television Contributor, MJ Acosta-Ruiz, SportsCenter Anchor & ESPN Deportes’ MNF Sideline Reporter, and Laura Rutledge, Host & Reporter, ESPN & SEC Network, with Michelle Beisner-Buck, NFL Features Reporter, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Monday Night Countdown
5:00 - 5:30pm
Closing Keynote Conversation: Breanna Stewart
Featuring 3x WNBA Champion and Vice President, WNBAPA, Breanna Stewart with Andraya Carter.
5:30 - 5:40pm
espnW Summit Closing
