Aug 26, 2026 · 1h 1m
Women’s sports defend inclusion while building for growth
Mad to Be Here with Big Citrus
The episode connects political attacks on trans inclusion with the facilities, fan culture, and collective power shaping women’s sports.
- 1Anti-trans rhetoric around the WNBA is framed as a political distraction threatening welcoming sports communities.
- 2Portland’s shared soccer and basketball facility illustrates how investment and collaboration can strengthen emerging women’s leagues.
- 3New mascots, merchandise, and Pride celebrations show women’s sports expanding the ways fans can belong and express themselves.
Don't miss
Sarah’s tour of the shared Portland Fire and Portland Thorns facility turns abstract league growth into tangible locker rooms, recovery spaces, and athlete resources.
The brief
Sarah Spain and Big Citrus open with WNBA headlines before confronting anti-trans political attacks they argue are designed to distract from deeper financial and political interests.
Their central argument is about belonging: women’s sports have become vital spaces for queer fans, families, and communities, and exclusionary politics could erode that trust.
At Portland’s Epicenter of Women’s Sports Conference, the conversation turns to league growth, accessibility, media rights, and the challenges facing emerging competitions.
The shared Portland Fire and Portland Thorns facility becomes a practical case study in collective power, with upgraded recovery spaces and training resources that help recruit athletes.
Sarah’s Portland tour also captures a changing fan culture, from easier merchandise access and a dragon mascot to Pride customization and a drag celebration.
Books & mentions
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