29%

only

4.5 years

average tenure of female CEOs, compared to 7.2 for men

of C-suite roles in corporate America are held by women.

60%

nearly

report increased isolation the higher they climb

Introducing NEXT:

The Network of Extraordinary Talent

NEXT brings together the sharpest women in sports to build trusted peer networks, elevate their leadership, and unlock long-term influence.

For the women breaking barriers, this isn’t just a program. It’s power, purpose, and progress…

on their terms.

NEXT supports women leaders in sports leagues, teams, agencies, media, and governing bodies who have a proven leadership track record and a glowing global or national influence. NEXT membership is by invitation-only: members are referred and vetted by existing participants.

A LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE NORM

As a part of NEXT, members can expect:

  • • Trusted, curated groups of 5–8 women

    • Bi-monthly, peer-facilitated virtual meetings

    • Deep discussion, strategic insight, and authentic

    connection

    • A space to problem-solve, recharge, and grow

    alongside equals

  • Eligibility Requirements: 

    • Must be committed to attending the entire in-person summit in Dallas, TX

    • Must be aspiring to advance to an executive level position

    • You currently manage executive projects that support organizational priorities

    • You have been in a leadership role with managerial responsibilities 

  • Sample topics include:

    • Strategic Visioning & Planning

    • Executive Presence & Personal Branding

    • Navigating Politics & Board Relationships

    • Resilience, Burnout Avoidance, and Self-Mastery

    • Stakeholder Alignment & Influence

  • EVENTS THAT CONNECT, ENERGIZE, AND ELEVATE

    Private leaders retreat in a premier destination

    Invite-only receptions at marquee sports events:

    Final Four, WNBA All-Star, SBJ Congress, etc.

    Annual “Cocktails & Connection” at the Women

    Leaders National Convention

  • Scholarship applications are closed.

    Thanks to the generous support of the Women Leaders in Sports Foundation Fund and the NCAA office of Division II and Division III, multiple Accelerator scholarship were available for 2025. NOTE: Please wait to register for the event until you are notified of your scholarship status. 

    For questions regarding scholarship applications, please contact Nyia Duncan.

NEXT IS MORE THAN

A PROGRAM   IT’S A

MOVEMENT

Outcomes of NEXT:

• A stronger, more visible network of women leaders

• Bold, future-focused decision-making

• Elevated influence within and beyond the industry

• Renewed energy to lead with confidence and clarity

HOW NEXT DELIVERS

TRANSFORMATIONAL

VALUE

Connection. Strategy.

Endurance. Influence.

The foundation of NEXT.

Peer Power

a high-trust network of women

shaping the future of sports leadership

Strategic Growth

resources to strengthen presence,

decision-making, and influence

Resilient Leadership

clarity, balance, and stamina to

lead with longevity

Industry Impact

opportunities to expand visibility,

lift others, and drive change