How PR Companies MikeWorldWide and Berk Communications Are Leading the Charge in Women's Sports: 'Proud to Be Part of This Movement'

It's no surprise women's sports are taking over — case in point, Simone Biles has become one of the greatest gymnasts — and athletes — of all time while Caitlin Clark is a role model in the WNBA, which is why MikeWorldWide and its subsidiary Berk Communications are not just riding the wave ... they're steering it.

With a shared commitment to elevating underrepresented athletes and amplifying equity in sport, these two powerhouse PR agencies have emerged as the strategic architects behind some of the most groundbreaking moves in the industry. From helping guide the WNBA beyond the hardwood and into the heart of mainstream pop culture — intertwining the league with fashion, music and social advocacy — to launching Unrivaled, the most player-forward women’s basketball league to date, and supporting the continued rise of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), MikeWorldWide and Berk are proving that when cultural relevance meets reputation-first thinking, brand love and systemic change follow. Their work also spans rising and established icons including Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment; Olympian and Team USA track star Colleen Quigley; WWE powerhouse Charlotte Flair; golf personality and entrepreneur Hally Leadbetter, and many more — each playing a unique role in pushing the boundaries of women’s sports and storytelling.

“At MikeWorldWide and our subsidiary, Berk Communications, we believe that visibility drives equity. My commitment to championing women in sports stems from a deep belief in the power of representation. Female athletes inspire not just the next generation of girls, but all of us — with their resilience, excellence and leadership. Supporting women in sports aligns with our broader mission to amplify underrepresented voices and create real cultural impact. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s a smart, forward-thinking investment in one of the fastest growing sports in the world," Michael Kempner, CEO and Founder of MikeWorldWide, exclusively tells Morning Honey.

Over the years, Kempner has seen the landscape change, and now, "the momentum behind women’s sports today is undeniable," he says. "From increased media coverage to major brand endorsements and record-breaking attendance at women’s events, the shift has been both exciting and overdue. Once overlooked, women’s sports are now commanding the spotlight and audiences are responding. I've witnessed firsthand how stories of women athletes are finally being given the platform they deserve, and how fan enthusiasm has grown in response. The barriers are breaking, and the game is changing.”

He adds, “My hope is that we reach a place where women’s sports aren’t seen as an 'alternative,' but are celebrated on equal footing with men’s sports — across media coverage, sponsorship dollars, investment, and fan engagement. I want to see women athletes become household names, and brands recognize the long-term value of sustained support.”

Kempner is thrilled to be behind the change. "Brands and fans have immense influence in shaping what gets attention, who gets paid, and what stories get told. Women’s sports offer authentic narratives, passionate fanbases and cultural relevance. Brands that show up now aren’t just backing a cause, they’re aligning with the future. It’s essential we all contribute to building that ecosystem so women’s sports can thrive year-round, not just during milestone moments," he notes. “Championing women in sports isn’t a campaign — it’s a commitment. At MikeWorldWide and Berk, we’re proud to be part of this movement — between our work with the WNBA, NWSL, Unrivaled, and beyond — we’re continually looking for ways to use our platform, partners, and creativity to help shift the paradigm. There’s still work to be done, but the energy and impact we’re seeing right now are powerful indicators that we’re on the right path.”

For Bret Werner, President of MikeWorldWide, he's "fortunate" to work with "an unmatched roster of clients across women's sports."

"From our past work with the WNBA to innovative partners such as Opendorse, who is powering Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals with brands that are reshaping college athletics. Working with these athletes, you see firsthand that they are multi-dimensional creators. They drive not only performance on the court or field but cultural relevance, which is invaluable for brands today," Werner says. "We view our role as building platforms for our clients — and the athletes and leagues they support — that amplify voices and create enduring cultural impact. Empowering clients in women’s sports means ensuring they activate authentically, elevate athlete and brand storytelling, and contribute to closing the investment and editorial coverage gap. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing how this work extends beyond sports. NIL deals, for instance, are helping college athletes — many of whom won’t turn pro — build personal brands and financial literacy for life.”

Heather Fox, Vice President at MikeWorldWide, says the "world of sports intersects with fashion, beauty and identity" due to women being "at the heart of the shift."

"Brands, leagues, and teams are finally embracing what the data has long shown, women are not only shaping the game on the court but also redefining what it means to be a fan," Fox says.

She adds: “We’ve moved beyond the narrative of investing in women’s sports as simply the ‘right thing to do.’ The data is clear — it’s a smart business decision. But beyond the economics, what’s truly exciting is how brands and fans are engaging in ways that feel more inclusive, imaginative and culturally relevant than ever before. Today’s sports partnerships are no longer one-size-fits-all. We’re seeing collaborations that blend fandom with femininity, and that reflect the evolving ways women show up as fans. The NFL’s licensed partners — Veronica Beard, Abercrombie, and WEAR by EA — are responding to this shift with fashion-forward collections that defy outdated playbooks. I also had the privilege of working with the WNBA last season, and the energy is unlike anything I’ve seen. Brands are showing up in ways that are both bold and authentic. Take Coach’s WNBA partnership or Essie (the nail polish brand) signing a deal with up Ellie the Elephant — a team mascot turned style icon. These campaigns are signals that the cultural currency of women in sports is rising and those who lean in now will help shape its future.”

Now, Fox is overjoyed to see icons, including Serena Williams and Biles, take center stage.

"What inspires me most today is the sheer volume and visibility of women athletes commanding the spotlight. Thanks to social media and NIL opportunities, fans can now discover and follow athletes early in their careers, creating deeper, more personal connections over time. As a mom to a 5-year-old daughter, I’m especially proud that she can name more WNBA players than any other athletes, which shows how representation is evolving," Fox concludes.