Latest news with #TOGETHXR
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Michelle Wie West: The Mizuho Americas Open And Investing In TOGETHXR
JERSEY CITY, NJ - MAY 30: Michelle Wie West of the United States is interviewed prior the LPGA ... More Mizuho America's Open at Liberty National Golf Course on May 30, 2023 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Any conversation about women in golf inevitably includes Michelle Wie West. A phenom who picked up clubs at age 4, she made history as the youngest player to make the cut at the U.S. Women's Open at age 13. As a teenager, she famously challenged golf's status quo by competing against men on the PGA Tour, firing a record-setting 68 in one round that still stands as the lowest by a woman in PGA history. She went on to win the U.S. Women's Open and five other LPGA events, cementing her legacy as one of golf's most influential players. Today, Wie West is focused on building the future of the game, especially for women and girls. As host of the Mizuho Americas Open, she's helping redefine what a professional golf tournament can look like. The event pairs top LPGA pros with elite junior players in a format that blends competition, mentorship, and community. Wie West's impact stretches beyond the course. She has been announced as an active investor in TOGETHXR, the women-founded media company launched by sports icons Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim. JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - MAY 19: Nelly Korda of the United States, right, and Gianna Clemente of ... More the United States, left, pose for a photograph with tournament host Michelle Wie West following the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by) Getty Images Since its 2023 debut, the Mizuho Americas Open has earned a unique place in the LPGA schedule. The tournament draws an elite field and partners LPGA players with the top junior girls in the country. For Wie West, the event is the realization of a long-held dream. 'Hosting a tournament was always a bucket-list goal for me,' she told Forbes . 'Growing up watching Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods host their own events—it left a huge impression on me. When I won my first LPGA title at Lorena Ochoa's tournament in Mexico, it made me think: I want to create something just as special.' That vision is now a reality. The Mizuho Americas Open is not just another LPGA event—it's a platform for mentorship, innovation, and inclusion. The event continues to grow. Hosting an event like the Mizuho Americas Open is no small feat—but Wie West's efforts are being matched by sponsors who see the long-term value of supporting women's sports. 'Mizuho is a dream partner,' she said. 'They've committed not just to a five-year extension, but to increasing the purse each year. That kind of belief is how we keep moving forward.' The purse will increase to $3.25 million in 2026, with Mountain Ridge Country Club set to host in 2026–2027, and a return to Liberty National Golf Club from 2028–2030. 'I wanted to design a tournament that truly puts the players first,' she said. 'Everything from the hospitality to the practice areas to the locker room experience was built with the athletes in mind. I know what it feels like to play week in and week out, and I wanted this to feel like a deep breath.' The tournament includes a unique mentorship program that pairs LPGA pros with rising stars from the American Junior Golf Association, offering rare access and meaningful connection. 'Some of these girls are 14, playing in their first LPGA event. They're not just watching their idols—they're teeing it up alongside them,' said Wie West. 'They're getting real advice and building real relationships. That kind of exposure can change everything for a young athlete.' With support from Girls Inc., player accommodations covered at a five-star hotel, and a Michelin-starred chef in the dining area, every detail is designed to elevate the athlete experience. One moment that captures the program's impact: 'Yana Wilson, our inaugural junior champion, just turned pro and won her first Epson Tour event last week,' Wie West shared. 'Now she's competing in the professional field this year. That full-circle moment is exactly what we envisioned.' She added, 'Golf is a tough sport—it can be lonely. I know how much it would've meant to me at 13 or 14 to have someone like Lorena or Annika walk a hole with me, talk through strategy, or just say, 'You belong here.' I wanted to create that.' Michelle Wie West Investing In TOGETHXR LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 25: Michelle Wie West attends a game between the Indiana Fever and the Las ... More Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Fever 99-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Getty Images TOGETHXR was built to reframe how women in sports and culture are represented—prioritizing bold storytelling, diverse voices, and cultural relevance. 'I've been a fan since day one,' she said. 'When the opportunity came to invest, it was an immediate yes. Their mission—to challenge outdated narratives and make women's sports part of the mainstream conversation—is exactly what I believe in.' For Wie West, the alignment was personal and strategic. 'I've spent my whole life trying to prove that I belonged in rooms that weren't built for women,' she said. 'So when I saw TOGETHXR saying, 'Actually, we're going to build our own rooms, and they're going to be louder, cooler, and more inclusive,' I thought, this is the future.' TOGETHXR has garnered a loyal Gen Z and millennial following by creating high-quality digital content that centers underrepresented athletes and creators. The company's tagline 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' isn't just aspirational. It's intentional. 'That message is everything,' she said. 'It's not 'support women's sports because it's the right thing to do.' It's: 'support women's sports because they're entertaining, compelling, and world-class.' That's a powerful shift.' PINEHURST, NC - JUNE 22: Michelle Wie of the USA is drenched with champagne by Jessica Korda ... More (centre) and Jamie Kuhn after holing the winning putt at the par 4, 18th hole during the final round of the 69th U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2, on June 22, 2014 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. (Photo by) Getty Images As an investor and advocate, Wie West sees TOGETHXR as a platform that can modernize golf's image and bring new fans into the sport. 'Golf has amazing athletes, powerful stories, and limitless potential,' she explained. 'But we need to meet the audience where they are. TOGETHXR gets that—it's built for the TikTok generation. It's quick, smart, emotional storytelling that actually connects.' Wie West sees real momentum building for the LPGA and for women's sports more broadly. 'Women's sports are having a moment, but this isn't a trend—it's a shift,' she said. 'You look at the NWSL, NCAA, WNBA, viewership is up, sponsorship is up, and the fans are showing up. It's not fringe anymore.' She's also a firm believer in the power of role modeling. 'The representation piece is huge. I'm raising a daughter, and I want her to grow up seeing women at the top of leaderboards, behind the camera, running businesses,' she said. 'When you see it, you believe it's possible for you.' Michelle Wie West: Investing In The Future PINEHURST, NC - JUNE 22: Michelle Wie of the USA proudly holds the trophy after her victory during ... More the final round of the 69th U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2, on June 22, 2014 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. (Photo by) Getty Images Michelle Wie West's journey, from teenage phenom to U.S. Women's Open champion, from advocate to investor, shows the evolving nature of women's sports leadership. Her current focus is clear: expanding access, elevating voices, and investing in the future. 'I get to build things now. I get to be part of the conversation shaping where this sport goes next.' What she's building is bigger than golf. 'This isn't just about one event or one platform. It's about changing the ecosystem. Making it normal to see women in leadership, women owning their stories, women taking up space.' And she's not stopping anytime soon.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nike, TOGETHXR to partner on 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' collection
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Jessica Robertson, Cofounder, Togethxr speaks at the Fast Company Innovation Festival at Convene on September 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fast Company) Everyone watches women's sports. Including Nike. The sportswear giant and TOGETHXR are partnering on a merchandise collection featuring the now ubiquitous slogan championing women's sports. The collection will include T-shirts, hoodies and baseball hats, and will be available through Nike and TOGETHXR as well as at Dick's Sporting Goods. "TOGETHXR was created to amplify the voices of women athletes and to show the world that women's sports are not just something to be watched, but something to be centered and invested in," Jessica Robertson, TOGETHXR's chief content officer and co-founder, said in a release Friday. Advertisement "This partnership with Nike allows us to take our mission to the next level," Robertson added. "We will not only create access to new and exciting products on a global scale, which we know women's sports fans so greatly seek, but will also build a future where women's sports receive the respect, resources and investment they truly deserve.' Frustrated with the lack of coverage of women's sports they saw throughout their respective careers, Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel created TOGETHXR with Robertson in 2021. A commerce and media company, it was meant to amplify the stories and voices of women athletes, and offer merchandise that was missing in the mainstream market. "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" became TOGETHXR's tagline, a rebuttal to the common refrain by naysayers who tried to dismiss the growing popularity of women's sports. TOGETHXR began producing merchandise with the slogan in 2023, and it took off last year when South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wore one of the shirts during a game. Jason Sudeikis was often seen in "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" gear as he sat courtside during last year's NCAA tournament and WNBA season. Steph Curry, Shaq and actress Aubrey Plaza also were seen in gear with the slogan. "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" merchandise has already generated more than $6 million in revenue, TOGETHXR said, a number sure to grow under the new partnership. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nike, TOGETHXR partner on 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' gear
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Nike, TOGETHXR to partner on 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' collection
Nike, TOGETHXR to partner on 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' collection Show Caption Hide Caption Nike got a steal with the Caitlin Clark deal Robin explains why Nike got a steal on Caitlin Clark's shoe deal. See why. Sports Illustrated - Women's Fastbreak Everyone watches women's sports. Including Nike. The sportswear giant and TOGETHXR are partnering on a merchandise collection featuring the now ubiquitous slogan championing women's sports. The collection will include T-shirts, hoodies and baseball hats, and will be available through Nike and TOGETHXR as well as at Dick's Sporting Goods. "TOGETHXR was created to amplify the voices of women athletes and to show the world that women's sports are not just something to be watched, but something to be centered and invested in," Jessica Robertson, TOGETHXR's chief content officer and co-founder, said in a release Friday. "This partnership with Nike allows us to take our mission to the next level," Robertson added. "We will not only create access to new and exciting products on a global scale, which we know women's sports fans so greatly seek, but will also build a future where women's sports receive the respect, resources and investment they truly deserve.' Frustrated with the lack of coverage of women's sports they saw throughout their respective careers, Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel created TOGETHXR with Robertson in 2021. A commerce and media company, it was meant to amplify the stories and voices of women athletes, and offer merchandise that was missing in the mainstream market. "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" became TOGETHXR's tagline, a rebuttal to the common refrain by naysayers who tried to dismiss the growing popularity of women's sports. TOGETHXR began producing merchandise with the slogan in 2023, and it took off last year when South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wore one of the shirts during a game. Jason Sudeikis was often seen in "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" gear as he sat courtside during last year's NCAA tournament and WNBA season. Steph Curry, Shaq and actress Aubrey Plaza also were seen in gear with the slogan. "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" merchandise has already generated more than $6 million in revenue, TOGETHXR said, a number sure to grow under the new partnership.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TOGETHXR and Aflac Put More Ducks in a Row for Women's Sports
Continued partnership launches Raise the Bar campaign for equal basketball tournament tune-ins from March 17-April 6 published a digital map featuring bars where everyone can watch women's sports LOS ANGELES and COLUMBUS, Ga., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the originator of the Everyone Watches Women's Sports™ mantra, trailblazing media and commerce company TOGETHXR is once again teaming up with Aflac – the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S.1 – to increase women's sports viewership during the height of the women's college basketball season. Through their renewed partnership, TOGETHXR and Aflac announced the launch of Raise the Bar, a campaign that encourages bars around the country to pledge to show the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on at least 50% of their TVs from March 17-April 6. As a part of the campaign, TOGETHXR and Aflac generated an interactive digital map that serves as a guiding resource of bar destinations across the country, where women's sports fans can watch tournament action. The digital map will be available at and will be visible through featured posts on the @TOGETHXR and @GETTOGETHXR Instagram accounts. "TOGETHXR is proud to continue our partnership with Aflac, united in our commitment to create spaces where everyone can come together to celebrate women's sports," said Lauren Tolila, TOGETHXR's Head of Integrated Marketing. "Whether lifelong fans or newcomers to the game, we're dedicated to amplifying women athletes, their competitions and their stories." Last year, Aflac joined forces with TOGETHXR to expand coverage and increase viewership of women's basketball. Through impactful activations such as the NCAA-WBB Sweet Sixteen Watch Parties in partnership with The Sports Bra (the first sports bar in the United States dedicated to women's sports), the WNBA All-Star Weekend's Queens of the Court Party and the Downward Duck Social Series, this partnership has elevated the voices of female athletes and brought fans closer to the game. "At Aflac, we are proud to champion women's sports and help amplify the momentum of women's college basketball," said Aflac's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Garth Knutson. "Through our continued partnership with TOGETHXR, we're creating more opportunities for fans to gather, cheer and celebrate the incredible talent on the court. By increasing visibility and accessibility, we're excited to fuel the growing energy and passion around the game." TOGETHXR and Aflac have also partnered on X Marks the Spot, presented by Aflac — an informational hub highlighting every sports bar across the country dedicated to celebrating women's sports. For more information on Raise the Bar or X Marks the Spot, please visit ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at or Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report Media contact: Adrienne Bentley, abentley@ Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@ WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999 ABOUT TOGETHXRTOGETHXR is the fastest growing, most popular, and most engaging women's sports brand. The trailblazing media and commerce company has generated more than $6 million in revenue from its trademarked slogan and product line that boldly state an undeniable truth: "Everyone Watches Women's Sports." Co-founded by sports media veteran Jessica Robertson alongside four of the world's greatest professional athletes: Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, and Sue Bird, TOGETHXR focuses on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and youth culture. TOGETHXR highlights a diverse and inclusive community of game-changers, culture shapers, thought leaders, and barrier breakers—finding and sharing the stories of women doing the same. As one of the most compelling platforms for women in sports and culture, TOGETHXR's in-house production studio has developed a slate of premium scripted and unscripted content, streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime and FuboTV among others. In 2023, TOGETHXR was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. More information is available at Media contact: press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TOGETHXR Sign in to access your portfolio
