Gannett Co., Inc. Launches USA TODAY Studio IX: A New Era for Women's Sports Coverage
1. Introduction
In a significant move to elevate the visibility of women athletes and sports, Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced on April 14, 2025, the launch of USA TODAY Studio IX. This new multimedia hub aims to showcase the growing influence and achievements of female athletes across various sports leagues, providing comprehensive coverage that spans the WNBA, college sports, soccer, and more.
2. A Comprehensive Hub for Women’s Sports
USA TODAY Studio IX is designed as a centralized content vertical that will serve as a powerful platform for storytelling, news, and multimedia content focused on women’s sports. With the support of the extensive USA TODAY Network, which includes over 200 local publications, the initiative is positioned to reach a vast audience, tapping into the approximately 46 million unique visitors that USA TODAY Sports attracts each month.
Executive Insights
Roxanna Scott, Executive Editor of USA TODAY Sports, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Given USA TODAY Sports’ reach and the surge of reader interest in women’s sports, this expansion of our robust sports coverage is a natural evolution of our award-winning journalism.” Her comments reflect the growing momentum surrounding women’s sports and the media's role in promoting such narratives.
Alicia DelGallo, Senior Editor of USA TODAY Sports and leader of Studio IX, shared her personal commitment to women in sports, remarking, “Creating a platform of this magnitude to feature the inspirational athletes, executives, and trailblazers who are role models to girls everywhere is truly a dream come true.” DelGallo’s lifelong advocacy for women in sports underscores the editorial vision behind Studio IX.
3. A Multi-Platform Approach to Storytelling
USA TODAY Studio IX will not only feature in-depth articles but also dynamic storytelling through compelling video content and photo galleries. The studio's team includes distinguished journalists and columnists such as Nancy Armour and Meghan Hall, who are dedicated to covering women athletes and highlighting their significant impact in the sports arena.
Corporate Partnership
The initiative is presented in partnership with Cisco, a company known for its commitment to fostering an inclusive future. Cisco’s involvement aims to support teams, athletes, and organizations that promote accessibility throughout the sports landscape, aligning closely with the mission of Studio IX.
4. Launch Celebration with the WNBA Champions
To celebrate the launch of USA TODAY Studio IX, the organization will host an exclusive WNBA draft watch party in partnership with the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty. This event will take place in the luxurious sub-cellar ballroom of a property developed by AVENU in Brooklyn, NY, signaling a high-profile debut for the new platform. The launch party is sponsored by Taboola, further enhancing the visibility and reach of this exciting new venture.
5. Conclusion
The launch of USA TODAY Studio IX marks a pivotal moment for women’s sports coverage, highlighting Gannett Co., Inc.'s commitment to addressing the rising interest and importance of female athletes. With a robust platform and an experienced team behind it, Studio IX is poised to become a leading voice in women's sports, inspiring future generations and celebrating the achievements of women in athletics.