Lawmaker Wants Chicago Women’s Sports Teams to Have an Even Playing Field
A Push for Equity in Public Stadium Funding
As the Chicago Bears and the White Sox pitch new publicly funded stadiums, there’s a push to give Chicago’s women’s sports franchises a chance to play. State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation requiring equity in public stadium funding for men’s and women’s sports. Illinois lawmakers began hearings this week on the issue.
A Chance to Level the Playing Field
“There is nothing like going to a Sky game and watching these women compete at such a high level,” Delgado told WGN on Wednesday. “I had the great opportunity to watch the Stars and see Olympians out there playing on the field. Gold medal winners playing on the field.”
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority
At issue is the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, or ISFA, a state entity that constructs and renovates sports stadiums. ISFA owns Rate Field and issued bonds more than two decades ago to renovate Solider Field. Delgado wants the Sky and Red Stars to be able to use ISFA.
Creating Parity
“This would basically be creating parity within the ISFA statue so that if there ever were a project in the future that the opportunity would be open equally to men’s sports teams and women’s professional sports teams,” Delgado said.
Challenges Ahead
The Chicago Democrat admits there’s not much support in Springfield to use public funds to build new professional stadiums, a message Gov. JB Pritzker has stressed countless times.
A Broader Vision
But should lawmakers change their mind, Delgado wants to expand who might be eligible for public funding.
Broadening the Perspective
“We’ve had calls come into the office, is it possible for ISFA to broaden their perspective to include high school sports stadiums? Is it possible for us to talk about other partnerships – public private partnerships with colleges in the area?” she said.
A Victory for Women’s Sports
Delgado has already scored a victory for women’s sports. At some point within the next two years, Illinois drivers will be able to get Sky and Red Star license plates just like the men’s teams.
Next Steps
Delgado’s bill is HB5841.
Conclusion
Delgado’s legislation aims to create a more level playing field for Chicago’s women’s sports teams. While the road ahead may be challenging, her efforts have already sparked important conversations about the importance of equity in public stadium funding.
FAQs
Q: What is the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority?
A: The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority is a state entity that constructs and renovates sports stadiums.
Q: What is State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado’s goal with her legislation?
A: Delgado wants to require equity in public stadium funding for men’s and women’s sports, and to give Chicago’s women’s sports franchises a chance to play.
Q: Is there support for Delgado’s legislation?
A: The Chicago Democrat admits there’s not much support in Springfield to use public funds to build new professional stadiums, but she hopes to expand who might be eligible for public funding.
