Inside Women’s Elite Rugby: Dr. Jessica Hammond‑Graf on Building a Pro League in the U.S. Silicon Sports Spectator 3 subscribers Analytics Edit video

06/11/2025 42 min

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Episode Synopsis

In this milestone episode of Silicon Sports Spectator, Joe sits down with Dr. Jessica Hammond‑Graf, President of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), to explore how this groundbreaking league is reshaping the future of women’s sports in the United States.From the roots of the Women’s Premier League to the bold launch of WER in 2025, Dr. Hammond‑Graf shares insider stories about building a professional rugby league from the ground up. We dive into:• 🏉 The rise of women’s rugby in the U.S. and its global momentum after the Olympics and World Cup• 🌍 How WER’s single‑entity business model mirrors MLS and PWHL to ensure sustainable growth across all markets• 👩‍👧 Grassroots initiatives with Girls Rugby Inc. and ChildFund Rugby, inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders• 🎟️ Success metrics: packed venues, surging merchandise demand, and growing streaming audiences• 🌟 Bay Area spotlight: the Bay Breakers, their debut season, and the evolving local rugby culture• 🏆 Pathways for collegiate and international players to compete at the highest level without leaving the U.S.• 💡 Leadership lessons from Dr. Hammond‑Graf’s own playing career and how they fuel WER’s startup journeyWith 19 WER athletes representing Team USA at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, this league is already proving to be a destination for elite talent and a beacon for the future of women’s professional sports.Whether you’re a die‑hard rugby fan, a Bay Area sports enthusiast, or simply excited about the explosive growth of women’s leagues, this episode delivers the energy, vision, and behind‑the‑scenes insight you won’t find anywhere else.👉 Tune in now and join the movement: Women’s Elite Rugby is here, and it’s changing the game.

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