Dawn Staley will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 UNMATCHED Gender Equity in Sports Conference. The University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach joins Tennis Canada’s premier event on August 5 in Toronto. Her participation marks a historic moment as the first keynote speaker from outside tennis.
Tennis Canada announced Staley as the featured speaker for their annual conference presented by National Bank. The event relocates to Sobeys Stadium’s VIP Lounge during Championship Week of the National Bank Open. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” emphasizes unity in advancing women’s sports.
Basketball Champion Brings Proven Track Record to Gender Equity Conference
Staley’s impressive credentials span both playing and coaching careers. As an athlete, she earned six WNBA All-Star selections and three Olympic Gold medals. Her coaching achievements include three NCAA National Championships, making her the first Black woman to reach this milestone.
Furthermore, Staley led the United States Women’s Basketball team to Olympic Gold as Head Coach. Her success on the court provides credibility for her advocacy work off it. She consistently uses her platform to champion women’s sports and address systemic inequalities.
The coach’s recent recognition reflects her impact beyond basketball. She received the Billie Jean King Leadership Award in 2022 from the Women’s Sports Foundation. Additionally, ESPN honored her with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance in 2024.
Historic NCAA Tournament Advocacy Sparks National Conversation
Staley’s most visible advocacy effort occurred during the 2021 NCAA Tournament. She publicly highlighted stark disparities between men’s and women’s facilities at the event. Her bold stance forced tournament organizers to take immediate corrective action.
This moment demonstrated Staley’s willingness to challenge established systems. She risked potential backlash to advocate for fair treatment of female athletes. Her courage sparked nationwide discussions about gender equity in college sports.
Moreover, Staley’s intervention showed the power of influential voices in creating change. Her platform as a successful coach amplified concerns that others had raised quietly. The incident became a catalyst for broader reforms in women’s college basketball.
UNMATCHED Conference Expands Beyond Tennis Ecosystem for First Time
Staley’s keynote represents a significant evolution for the UNMATCHED Conference. Previous speakers came exclusively from the tennis world, including legends like Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova, and Venus Williams. Her participation signals the conference’s growing influence across all sports.
This expansion aligns with the event’s “Stronger Together” theme for 2025. Tennis Canada recognizes that gender equity requires collaboration across different sports and industries. Bringing voices from basketball demonstrates this collaborative approach.
Eva Havaris, Senior Vice President of Tennis Development and Partnerships at Tennis Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the selection. “Dawn is the epitome of an equity advocate, and she perfectly embodies this year’s conference theme,” Havaris stated. The choice reflects Tennis Canada’s commitment to broadening conversations about women in sports.
Premium Venue Enhances Conference Experience During Championship Week
The 2025 UNMATCHED Conference moves to an exciting new location at Sobeys Stadium. Attendees will gather in the VIP Lounge presented by Audi during the prestigious National Bank Open. This timing allows participants to experience the tournament’s Championship Week atmosphere.
The venue change elevates the conference experience significantly. Participants can network while surrounded by world-class tennis action. This integration creates unique opportunities for meaningful connections between advocates and industry leaders.
Additionally, the new setting reinforces the conference’s growing importance within Tennis Canada’s calendar. Placing UNMATCHED during their marquee event demonstrates the organization’s commitment to gender equity initiatives. The premium location reflects the conference’s status as an industry-leading forum.
Game Set Equity Strategy Drives Comprehensive Change Across Tennis
UNMATCHED operates as part of Tennis Canada’s broader Game. Set. Equity. (GSE) commitment. This ambitious strategy focuses on advancing gender equity throughout the tennis ecosystem. The holistic approach addresses multiple levels of the sport simultaneously.
Tennis Canada recently released their GSE Impact Report in March 2025, celebrating International Women’s Day. The comprehensive document outlines early outcomes across five strategic pillars. It also provides insights gained and next steps toward 2027 objectives.
The report demonstrates Tennis Canada’s accountability in their equity efforts. By measuring progress publicly, they create transparency around their initiatives. This approach encourages other sports organizations to adopt similar comprehensive strategies.
Conference Registration Opens as Sports Leaders Prepare for Toronto Gathering
Tickets for the 2025 UNMATCHED Conference are now available for purchase. Interested participants can secure their spots for this industry-leading event. The conference continues evolving in its fourth year of operation.
The August 5 date allows attendees to combine professional development with world-class tennis viewing. This unique combination attracts diverse participants from across the sports industry. Leaders, advocates, and athletes can engage in meaningful discussions about advancing women’s sports.
Tennis Canada’s commitment to hosting this annual conference demonstrates sustained dedication to change. Rather than one-time initiatives, UNMATCHED represents ongoing effort to address gender equity challenges. The consistent platform allows for building momentum and tracking progress over time.
Trailblazing athlete, coach & gender equity advocate @dawnstaley is coming to Toronto as the keynote speaker for the 2025 UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference presented by @nationalbank
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) May 27, 2025
August 5 at Sobeys Stadium
Tickets on sale now : https://t.co/RaM4bCIt3u pic.twitter.com/Aome2DQvTQ
