When Mia Thompson entered “women’s tackle football” into her search engine, she never imagined it would lead her to a transformative journey impacting countless women and girls. Little did she know that this initial inquiry would pave the way for her to become the first Black female owner of a nationally recognized sports league—the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), a professional tackle football league for women featuring over 20 teams and 1,000 players and coaches across 17 states.
After graduating from college and relocating to Texas, Mia felt a void after leaving behind the sport she cherished in her youth, having been guided toward basketball by well-intentioned advisors. She simply thought it would be “cool” to reconnect with the game she loved during her elementary and junior high years.
Since that pivotal moment, Mia has achieved remarkable accolades, including being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Running Back, earning two National Championships, captaining the USA Football Team, and winning two Gold Medals. Yet, despite her impressive credentials, many in the sports community remain unaware of her contributions, primarily due to the general lack of visibility surrounding women’s tackle football.
Determined to change the narrative, Mia founded the WNFC to create a platform that would legitimize women’s tackle football. “I started WNFC to establish a stable business that truly recognizes the sport,” she stated in an interview with a popular media outlet.
Although women’s tackle football has a rich history dating back over a century, no corporation has previously stepped up to promote it on a global scale. “There have been charities and other organizations, but never a structured corporation,” she explains, highlighting the ongoing disparities in investment and recognition within women’s sports.
One of the most significant hurdles Mia faces is the persistent bias that women lack the knowledge or commitment that their male counterparts possess. She points out that women in sports often have to exceed the performance of their male peers to earn respect and recognition. “As women in sports, we’re accustomed to building tables rather than simply taking a seat at them,” Mia asserts.
Despite hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in male football leagues that often fail, the idea of investing similar resources in women’s sports is frequently dismissed. “It should be just as reasonable to invest in women’s sports as it is in men’s sports,” Mia argues, emphasizing that the absence of data supporting women’s football is due to a lack of investment, not a lack of potential.
Mia Thompson (R) competes during the international women’s football championship match in July 2013, showcasing her dedication to the sport. Growing up, she faced significant opposition as a girl playing tackle football, with many believing she was encroaching on boys’ opportunities. By high school, she found herself sidelined due to the absence of girls’ football teams, a situation she accepted without questioning.
This personal experience motivated her to establish a nonprofit organization called “Empower Her,” aimed at supporting women and girls in sports. The initiative seeks to inspire young girls to envision a future for themselves in athletics, including football. The organization has received an outpouring of requests from parents eager for their daughters to see that women can thrive in sports.
Though the pandemic forced the WNFC to cancel its 2020 season, optimism abounds for 2021, with plans underway to resume games in May, following extensive collaboration with health officials and government entities. Recently, the WNFC secured a global distribution deal with VYRE Network, allowing fans to access their content across major streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Roku, and social media.
In a statement about the partnership, Mia said, “This collaboration with Vyre Network addresses a critical need for women’s tackle football fans, providing them with a dedicated platform to watch our content 24/7.” She also expressed her commitment to demonstrating how Black entrepreneurs can unite to make a difference.
Mia’s achievements both on and off the field are truly inspirational. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting all women is evident in her words: “We are a league that exists to empower and inspire women and girls through sport. That’s our mission and our identity.”
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s journey exemplifies the impact of perseverance and dedication in reshaping the landscape of women’s sports. Her endeavors not only highlight the need for visibility and investment in women’s tackle football but also serve as a beacon of hope for future generations of female athletes.