Professor Amy Bass, Emmy-award winning writer and expert on sports, culture, and politics to lead Q&A
Manhattanville University will host acclaimed sports journalist Jane McManus for a talk and Q&A session on her new book, “The Fast Track: The Rise of Women’s Sports as an Industry and Investment.”
The event and book signing are open to the public and will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Reid Castle East Library.
McManus, a veteran sports journalist and academic, will delve into the themes of her book, which challenges the notion that “no one cares about women’s sports.” “The Fast Track” provides compelling evidence of the increasing popularity and financial viability of women’s sports, highlighted by recent watershed moments like the fervor surrounding Caitlin Clark during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball championship.
The book examines the upward trajectory of women’s sports while also addressing the historical forces that have hindered its growth since Title IX in the early 1970s. “The Fast Track” confronts resistance toward women’s leagues, analyzes media coverage of female athletes, and considers future investment possibilities. Additionally, McManus addresses critical topics such as racial inclusivity, the participation of transgender athletes, women’s health issues, and the ongoing fight for equal pay.
The evening at Manhattanville will feature a question-and-answer session led by Amy Bass, professor of sport studies and Emmy-Award winning writer whose interests focus on sport, culture, and politics. She has made appearances on the TODAY SHOW, CNN Newsroom, and Anderson Cooper’s Full Circle among other public affairs programs. She is chair of the division of social science and communication.
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jane to campus to share insights from her important new book on women’s sports,” said Professor Bass. “A trailblazer in sports journalism and a fierce advocate for equity and representation, she brings a wealth of experience and perspective that will resonate deeply with our students – especially those in our fast-growing interdisciplinary Sport Studies major. Her visit offers an extraordinary opportunity for our students to engage with one of the field’s most vital voices.”
Manhattanville University’s Sport Studies major, one of the largest in the School of Arts and Sciences, offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes a 4+1 pathway to a master’s degree in Sport Business Management. Undergraduate students in the program gain expertise in both sport marketing and sport management, preparing them for diverse careers in the dynamic sports industry.
For more information on the event and to RSVP, please visit the Manhattanville University events calendar: https://www.mville.edu/events/calendar.php#event-details/a2fbe37d-d42d-4342-ba99-3b473409b74f
