IX to Five: A New Venture to Elevate Women's Sports

IX to Five, a new joint venture aimed at enhancing the business of women’s sports, has been launched by David Levy and Chris Weil’s Horizon Sports & Experiences in collaboration with TOGETHXR, a prominent women’s sports media company. The initiative is designed to meet the increasing demand for authentic and engaging content in women’s sports. IX to Five will focus on creating, developing, and commercializing women’s sports content through premium storytelling, unique intellectual properties, signature live experiences, and high-value brand partnerships.

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The venture will debut with a diverse programming slate that includes talent such as professional basketball players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, along with Lily Shimbashi, founder of Sportsish. The initial offerings are expected to expand later this year, reflecting the commitment to provide a platform for women athletes and creators.

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This collaboration marks the second partnership between TOGETHXR and Horizon Sports & Experiences, following their previous joint effort at the Women’s Champions Classic, an early-season basketball showcase held at the Barclays Center. During this event, TOGETHXR produced podcasts and additional content, further solidifying their role in promoting women’s sports.

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David Levy, co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences, emphasized the high growth potential and return on investment in women’s sports, stating, “Women’s sports is a high-growth, big ROI business.” He noted that IX to Five aims to create a scalable platform that allows brands to invest meaningfully while providing fans with more opportunities to engage with athletes and relevant content.

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Despite the optimism surrounding IX to Five, some critics argue that the venture must ensure it delivers on its promises of infrastructure and sustained media impact. Concerns have been raised about whether the initiative can effectively transition from generating momentary attention to fostering long-term engagement and growth in the women's sports sector.

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Nancy Dubuc, executive chair of TOGETHXR, highlighted the need for infrastructure in women’s sports, stating, “Women’s sports doesn’t need more moments — it needs infrastructure that turns momentum into careers, culture, and commerce.” This sentiment underscores the venture's goal of creating a year-round strategy that supports athletes and brands alike.

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As IX to Five progresses, further content offerings and partnerships are anticipated to be announced, aiming to solidify its role in the evolving landscape of women's sports. The venture is positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of women's sports media and commercial opportunities.

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