Despite success, media coverage lags

Women’s football in the United States has experienced substantial growth since the enactment of Title IX in 1972. Women’s football also experienced exponential growth in the 1990s following the initial success of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Unfortunately, sexism and hegemonic ideologies have affected media coverage of the USWNT, and women’s sports around the globe. Despite challenges, the USWNT has prevailed as a successful product, both on the pitch and off it, as displayed in their record-breaking ratings and coverage during the 2015 FIFA World Cup Final match. This chapter will provide an overview of media coverage of women’s sports and the USWNT and how the lack of coverage and the stereotypical portrayals of female athletes marginalize their achievements and successes.