Jaymee Messler

CEO, Storied Sports

Thank you, Jaymee, for sharing your journey and insights—your advice and dedication to supporting women in sports are truly inspiring. Jaymee Messler, CEO of Storied Sports, uses her background in journalism and athlete representation to help companies grow and build impactful brands in sports. A founder of The Players’ Tribune, she pioneered a platform for athletes to share their own stories. Early in her career, she faced gender-based assumptions, often mistaken as an assistant, but overcame this by asserting her role and building her reputation.

Messler highlights mentorship as crucial for women in sports and sees progress in gender equality, though challenges remain. She advises young women to network, stay proactive, and embrace opportunities with confidence. Her passion lies in the power of storytelling and advancing women’s sports.

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

I have my own consulting business. I help companies align business growth with the dynamic sports landscape,  architect and/or help build meaningful brands and continue to help elevate the stories that need to be told.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I went to the School of Journalism at the Univ of Maryland, College Park. It helped me understand the business of storytelling and I represented athletes for over 15 years, helping them build brands and control their narrative and then I started The Players’ Tribune, which was a media company that disrupted the sports industry by empowering athletes to have a voice. 

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

There are many – but I think early on, in my 20’s and 30’s because I was representing big names and working with incredibly high profile people a lot of people would assume because I am a woman that I was the “assistant’.  It was constantly working hard to ensure people knew who I was, sometimes I would have to be really clear on my role and position and ultimately it started to change. Especially as I got older. /

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in sports business, & how have you overcome them?

There are many – but I think early on, in my 20’s and 30’s because I was representing big names and working with incredibly high profile people a lot of people would assume because I am a woman that I was the “assistant’.  It was constantly working hard to ensure people knew who I was, sometimes I would have to be really clear on my role and position and ultimately it started to change. Especially as I got older. 

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Early on, I struggled to find balance. I felt like I had to prove my indispensability, trying to make it feel like everything would fall apart if I wasn’t involved. Because of that, I was always present and rarely stepped back, which, in hindsight, was a mistake.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Extremely important. I always tell young women entering the industry to get to know people and try to identify mentors as you grow. You almost want to treat it like you are a company and are building an advisory board. 

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

It’s improving every day, but the short answer is still no. There are deeply rooted perceptions about certain roles in sports that have traditionally been dominated by men, and changing those perceptions takes time. We’re beginning to see women stepping into these roles, which is powerful, but we need many more to truly shift the trajectory. Positions like sports agents, GMs, and coaches are starting to open up to women, but there’s still a long way to go. The fact that sports, historically, have been male-centric doesn’t help either. However, as women’s sports finally receive the respect, attention, and investment they deserve, I believe it will create more opportunities for women in the sports business world as well.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

Sports is a powerful connector, bringing people together in ways few other things can. It’s an exciting industry to be part of, especially for someone like me who loves storytelling. The beauty of sports is that incredible stories unfold naturally every day, capturing the emotions, challenges, and triumphs that resonate with everyone.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Network constantly, stay proactive, and immerse yourself in sports business media to stay informed. When reaching out to people in the industry, don’t be afraid to follow up—sending a second or third message is fine; people are busy, so don’t take it personally. If something feels off, speak up. Pursue every opportunity that comes your way, and surround yourself with a strong support system for advice and guidance. Find the right balance between staying long enough to make an impact but not staying so long that you miss new opportunities. Most importantly, be authentic and go after what you want with determination.

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I think I am too old to have long term goals! But I am excited to continue to work in this industry and am excited to be a part of the growth of women’s sports!