In April, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named to TIME Magazine’s 2024 TIME100, which recognizes the 100 most influential people of the year. This is Mahomes’ third participation on the yearly list. This year, Mahomes spoke at the TIME100 Gala and gave a toast to the rise and future of women’s sports.
“Tonight, I’d like to raise a glass to a new era in sports,” Mahomes said. “An era in which the women’s game is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. For a long time, there was this well-meaning but dismissive notion that you should care about women’s sports because they reflect your ideals. And yes, there is some merit to that. But the true reason you should care about women’s sports is that they are amazing.”
The gala audience applauded before Mahomes continued.
“And just Google A’ja Wilson’s highlights and you’ll see what I’m talking about,” Mahomes continued, as the video stream cut to Wilson, another TIME100 2024 member. “Talent, tales, and personalities. Women’s sports provide it all. And I believe people are finally figuring it out. The women’s NCAA basketball championship was ESPN’s highest-rated college basketball game ever. A million more people watched Coco Gauff win the US Open than the men’s final. And leagues including as the WNBA and NWSL are signing massive new rights deals and anticipating major expansions.
“I am proud of the role my family has played in this movement,” Mahomes added. “As a co-owner of the Kansas City Current, my wife, Brittany, is working hard to advance women’s soccer and pave the way for the next generation of young players like our daughter. 
Last month, we began the new season in a brand-new stadium, the first in the world designed particularly for a women’s professional team. I am pretty convinced that my investment will pay off in more ways than one. We must all continue to invest in the women’s game through our attention, media coverage, and financial support. Because this isn’t some passing fad. It is the future. So here’s to the glory of women’s sports. It has been happening, and I’m delighted the rest of the world is catching up.”