By John "Woods" Armwood III
Subtitle: Her rise across Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, the trailblazing media voice breaks down how women are taking ownership of their platforms and their future.
A Movement Years in the Making
In the past few years, women's sports have experienced cultural surge unlike anything before. A wave of empowerment, visibility, and unapologetic advocacy. For Ashley Nicole Moss, one of the most dynamic voices in sports media today, this movement represents more than just progress; it's a reclamation of power.
"You know, there's a lot going on in women's sports right now," Moss reflected. "In the last three or four years, there's been a huge elevation and a huge empowerment movement. From representation to the WNBA's CBA negotiations, things are changing fast, and it's powerful to watch."
That power, she said, isn't just about better contracts or primetime broadcasts. It's about confidence, a refusal to settle for less.
"Women aren't afraid to ask for what they want," Moss said. "And more importantly, they're not afraid to boycott until they get what they want. Real change happens when women put their foot down and say, 'Enough.'"
The WNBA's Fight and the Ripple Effect
The WNBA's recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations have become a defining symbol of this shift. Players across the league, from seasoned stars to rookies, have been vocal about fair pay, travel conditions, and investment in women's basketball.
For Moss, these negotiations represent the broader transformation happening across sports:
"It's not just about basketball," she explained. "It's about visibility, value, and respect, things women have fought for in every corner of this industry. Whether you're a player, a journalist, or a producer, the fight looks different, but the goal is the same."
Moss believes that the courage shown by women athletes is inspiring the next generation of leaders behind the scenes, women in sports journalism, production, and executive roles who are now using their voices to drive progress.
"Every year we make strides," she emphasized. "Whether you're behind the camera, in front or it, on the court, or in the boardroom, we're moving forward together."
HBCU Pride and the Spirit of Representation
That same sense of empowerment, Moss noted, is mirrored in HBCU culture, which continues to gain national recognition for its vibrant energy and deep community ties.
"One of my first times at HBCU game of this magnitude, I was just blown away," Moss explained enthusiastically about her experience at the HBCU Battle of the Legends. "People love to support their HBCU's, the programs, the athletes, the alumni. The energy is unmatched. It's unlike any other football game I've been to."
For Moss, the HBCU experience underscores the importance of visibility, the same kind of spotlight that women's sports have been fighting to earn and maintain.
"Representation matters, she said. "When people see themselves reflected, whether in media, in sports, or on the sidelines. It changes everything."
From Forbes to BET
Ashley Nicole Moss knows firsthand what it means to break barriers. From her early days as a passionate sports commentator to becoming a multi-platform journalist featured by Forbes 30 under 30. Moss's rise has mirrored the evolution of women's roles in sports media.
"When I made the Forbes list, that was huge," she said. "But honestly, every milestone has had its own feeling. When I got the Sports Illustrated job, when I joined CBS, and now with BET, each one felt different. Each one meant growth."
Moss's path is defined by momentum, not resting on achievements, but constantly pushing forward.
"I'm grateful to be in a position where every year and every move is progress," she continued. "God willing, I just want to keep the momentum going."
The Future is Fearless
As women continue to redefine their place in sports as athletes, creators, and decision-makers. Moss believes the future is bright and bold.
"I'm excited for where women in sports are right now," Moss stated optimistically. "We've found our voices, and we're not afraid to use them. It's unbelievable what's happening, and it's only the beginning."
