'Math has no opinion': Why Denver Broncos part-owner Mellody Hobson is putting big money into women's sports

Ariel Investments' co-CEO Mellody Hobson is just getting started putting big money to work in women's sports. "We're very excited about women's sports specifically," Hobson said at Yahoo Finance Invest, adding, "Math has no opinion. Every arrow — viewership, sponsorship, media rights, merchandise sales, girls playing sports, attendance at games — every arrow when you look at women's sports is straight up and to the right. We see the opportunity in major league women's sports teams and leagues." Hobson has established herself as one of the most influential figures in corporate finance, rising from a summer intern to co-CEO and president of value-oriented Ariel Investments alongside founder John Rogers.Mellody Hobson speaks at at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, Colo., on Aug. 10, 2022. The Walton-Penner ownership group, which includes limited partners Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, paid $4.65 billion for the Denver Broncos. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)·Hyoung Chang via Getty Images She is the former chair of coffee giant Starbucks (SBUX), continues to serve on the board of JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and is a minority owner in the NFL's Denver Broncos. Beyond the boardroom and gridiron, Hobson has become a major player in commercial women's athletics. She launched dedicated investment vehicles such as Project Level to direct growth capital toward undervalued assets like the National Women's Soccer League and League One Volleyball. Project Level has also invested in the NFL's new flag football league ahead of its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Project Level is on track to attract $500 million in capital by year-end, Hobson said, up from its initial fundraising of $250 million disclosed in February of this year. Insights from Yahoo Finance Invest 2026 Bill Ackman says Microsoft's position is 'really, really strong' as Anthropic pushes into enterprise software Soaring fuel prices will lead to 'a reckoning' for airlines: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby United Airlines CEO is still open to buying rival American Airlines. He just needs a 'willing partner.' That added financial firepower could help Hobson land her ultimate prize in women's sports: a WNBA team. "One day we'd like to own a WNBA team. We think there's a lot of opportunity there," Hobson said. "Hopefully not that far [from owning one]. I don't know. We've been excited about the WNBA for a long time. I'm obsessed with this championship, which is so fun to watch." Follow Brian Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tips on stories? Email him at brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. View Comments