New findings drive targeted investment in gear and uniforms for middle school girls in Wards 7 and 8 through Monumental’s District of Play initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2026) — Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today released a new study on the gender gap in youth sports participation in Washington D.C., and announced an initiative in partnership with the District and Mayor Muriel Bowser to address the gender gap as part of the company’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar District of Play youth sports campaign.
The research builds on the Aspen Institute’s 2023–2024 State of Play report commissioned by Under Armour, which found that Washington, D.C. has one of the widest gender gaps in youth sports participation in the country, with disparities widening further as girls enter high school, and called for deeper research into why girls begin—or stop—playing.
The study, commissioned by MSE and conducted by an independent research firm, found that girls in many of the District’s communities with the greatest participation gaps want to play sports but are often held back by limited access to essential gear, properly fitting uniforms, facilities and adequately supported coaches.
To address some of the most immediate barriers identified, the first phase of the new initiative will provide practice gear bags for all middle school girls and new uniforms for middle school athletes in sports programs in Wards 7 and 8 in partnership with Under Armour, with additional investments to be announced throughout the 2026-27 DCPS school year.
“Every girl deserves the chance to step onto the field and discover her strength, her voice and her place on a team,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “This research makes clear that girls are eager to play, but too often encounter barriers before they even begin. We saw a challenge that required a deeper understanding, so we invested to better identify the barriers and develop real-world solutions that can create meaningful opportunities for girls to participate and thrive. By listening directly to girls and those who support them, we can make targeted investments that help athletes show up prepared, feel like they belong and stay in the game.”
“Every girl in DC deserves a team that believes in her and a fair shot to compete, and we’re excited to partner with Monumental and Under Armour to help make that happen,” said Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “By investing directly in our young athletes — with the gear, the uniforms and the support they need to stay in the game — we’re closing that gap and proving that when we invest in girls, we invest in the future of our city.”
Research Findings
Though Washington D.C. nearly meets the federal government’s national goal of 63 percent of children participating in sports by 2030 per the Aspen Institute’s report, significant participation gaps by demographic groups persist. The findings identified gender as one notable differentiator: only 53 percent of girls participate in youth sports compared to 70 percent of boys in the District. The study also found that while most D.C. youth live in Wards 7 and 8 (37 percent), these areas have less access to youth sports, resulting in participation rates lower than all other Wards outside of basketball and football.
In response to these findings and the Aspen Institute’s call for further qualitative study on girls in sports, MSE commissioned an independent research firm to conduct in-depth interviews with the most impacted middle and high school girls in Wards 7 and 8, as well as coaches, teachers and program leaders who support them.
The research illuminated three consistent barriers:
Gear and uniforms: Girls often face higher costs to begin playing because they are less likely than boys to already own athletic clothing and equipment. Ill-fitting, outdated or shared uniforms can also undermine confidence and belonging. Coaches report that girls routinely show up for practice without athletic gear because it’s not a part of their everyday wardrobe.
Facilities: Even where courts, gyms and fields are available, girls often feel that they’re dominated by boys, making essential time and space harder to access for practice and play.
Support for Coaches: Coaches and athletic staff are under-resourced—routinely filling structural gaps with their own time and money— despite serving as one of the most important sources of encouragement and stability for girls in sports.
The study also identified middle school as a critical period for intervention. Participation among girls in Wards 7 and 8 is strongest during these years, but declines sharply afterward as family responsibilities increase, competition becomes more intimidating and social pressures grow.
Researchers found that girls are also less likely to voice frustration or disclose financial hardship directly, but rather they disengage quietly. As a result, a lack of access can be mistaken for a lack of interest when girls begin missing practices or stop playing altogether.
Turning Research Into Action
Through MSE’s District of Play program, the first phase of the new initiative will address one of the clearest and most immediate barriers identified: access to appropriate gear and uniforms.
Working with the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Under Armour, MSE will provide every middle school girl participating in sports programs in Wards 7 and 8 with an essential practice gear bag that includes Under Armour athletic shoes, shorts, sports bras, T-shirts, socks, headbands and other necessities. Gear will be provided universally to participating athletes, reducing stigma and ensuring every player has the resources she needs.
MSE will also partner with Under Armour to provide new, well-fitting uniforms for middle school sports teams in Wards 7 and 8. The research found that uniforms are more than a cosmetic consideration: they can meaningfully influence girls’ confidence, commitment and sense of belonging.
“At Under Armour, we believe every young athlete deserves the chance to show up prepared, confident and ready to compete,” said Flynn Burch, Director, Global Community Impact and UA Next at Under Armour. “The Aspen Institute’s research highlights a critical transition point for girls in sports, with participation declining significantly between middle school and high school. Through our partnership with MSE, the District and Mayor Bowser, we’re proud to help address one of the most immediate barriers to participation by providing the gear, uniforms and footwear girls need to feel like they belong and stay in the game. This work reflects Under Armour’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to sport in D.C. and creating more equitable opportunities for the next generation of athletes.”
MSE’s Commitment to Girls’ Participation in Sports
The initiative expands MSE’s ongoing investment in girls’ sports access and participation through District of Play, one of professional sports’ most ambitious youth sports and wellness initiatives.
Launched in 2024, District of Play has impacted nearly 400,000 kids, coaches and family members through a wide range of programs including multiple campaigns in partnership with the District and Mayor Bowser. Key programs have included the 2025 “District Dribble” basketball distribution to 29,000+ DCPS preK -5th grade students and 2026 “District Kicks” initiative that provided more than 6,500 pairs of Under Armour shoes to students in DCPS 6th grade academies.
This new girls’ empowerment initiative also follows MSE’s EquipHER campaign launched in April 2026 to keep D.C. girls in sports. The launch of EquipHER provided more than 13,000 sports bras to female student-athletes at 39 DCPS middle and high schools, along with resources focused on sports bra care, body confidence and continued participation in athletics.
MSE is also expanding access to safe, high-quality places to play. Through District of Play, the company has committed to building one playground, refurbishing one indoor basketball court and upgrading two outdoor basketball courts annually, as well as constructing a new street hockey rink or multi-use sports facility within four years, along with other initiatives. MSE recently unveiled the fully refurbished John Wall Court at Randall Recreation Center, providing an upgraded, state-of-the-art playspace celebrating the legendary Wizards star.
Together, these efforts are part of MSE’s multi-million-dollar District of Play initiative, which brings the resources of the full Monumental enterprise together to expand access to youth sports and strengthen communities across Washington, D.C.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is one of the leading integrated sports and entertainment companies globally. MSE’s portfolio spans premier professional sports teams, world-class venues, and next-generation media properties, with marquee assets including the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, Capital One Arena, and Monumental Sports Network, along with an investment in Team Liquid.
Rooted in the nation’s capital, MSE brings Washington, D.C’s distinct influence, ambition, and leadership to the global sports and entertainment landscape. The company harnesses the power of its platform to drive continuous innovation and deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. For additional information on MSE, please visit monumentalsports.com.