Author: Ashok Namboodiri

Just a day ago, the New York Liberty—one of the marquee franchises in the WNBA—achieved a capital raise that sent shockwaves through the world of professional sports. Valued at a stunning $450 million, Liberty isn’t just making headlines—they’re making history. And for women’s sports, that number is more than a valuation; it’s validation. Across the globe, valuations in women’s sports are reaching unprecedented heights. Angel City FC of the NWSL now boasts a valuation close to $200 million, and Chelsea FC’s women’s team is attracting independent investor interest. Liberty’s $450 million valuation, however, has set a new benchmark—and sent a…

“An athlete’s life is not a normal life.” That line from my trainer, Coach Nav, during a morning workout stayed with me all day. It struck me particularly hard while reading three striking headlines from the world of Indian cricket. On March 23, 2025, MS Dhoni kicked off yet another IPL season at the age of 43. Less than a month later, on April 19, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a jaw-dropping IPL debut. Then came May 12, when Virat Kohli, at 36, announced his retirement from Test cricket, choosing to prioritise his body and family. These events didn’t just tell…