Las Vegas, Mar 2: What began as a single social media invitation has grown into a high-profile celebration of women in sport.Rapper and television personality Flavor Flav has partnered with MGM Resorts International to host “She Got Game,” a three-day event in Las Vegas honoring Team USA’s female Olympians and Paralympians.Scheduled for July 16–19, the weekend aims to spotlight the achievements of women athletes and create new opportunities for visibility and financial support.From social media to center stageThe idea took shape after several members of Team USA declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. A widely discussed phone call in which Trump appeared to question honoring the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team alongside their male counterparts sparked debate online.
Flavor Flav responded publicly, inviting the women’s hockey team to Las Vegas for what he described as a “real celebration.” The invitation quickly expanded to include all women medalists, and interest surged. According to organizers, more than 100 athletes have already confirmed plans to attend.MGM Resorts announced it will serve as a full partner for the event, providing more than 100 hotel rooms across its Las Vegas properties. In a statement, the company said it plans to deliver “world-class hospitality, high-energy fun, and memorable experiences” for the athletes.The initiative adds to MGM’s recent corporate announcements, including a $1 million commitment to responsible gambling programs and a shift to 100% solar power for its Las Vegas operations.Corporate and celebrity backingSupport for “She Got Game” has extended beyond its founding partners.Alaska Airlines confirmed it is coordinating flights to bring athletes to Nevada, while StubHub pledged assistance with show tickets during the weekend. Palms Casino Resort is contributing luxury suites and dining experiences.Ride-sharing company Lyft will provide transportation credits, and woman-owned beauty brand Megababe has committed to donating products to girls’ and young women’s hockey programs.Celebrities including Lance Bass and Dita Von Teese have also volunteered to participate.Direct financial supportBeyond the festivities, Flavor Flav launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at putting money directly into the athletes’ hands. Acknowledging that many Olympians and Paralympians rely on second or even third jobs to support their training, he set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000. Nearly $10,000 was raised within hours of the campaign’s launch.
For The Gist, a women-led sports media outlet serving as the event’s official media partner, the weekend is about more than recognition.“Ultimately, our goal is to get these female athletes paid,” said Jacie DeHoop, co-founder of The Gist. “How are we creating more opportunities beyond just the weekend — more brand deals, more content, raising the profile of these athletes? Maybe this becomes an annual tradition.”Flavor Flav has previously shown public support for women’s sports, including a five-year sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team in 2024.Organizers say additional event details will be announced in the coming weeks. For now, “She Got Game” is shaping up to be not only a celebration, but a broader statement about recognition, equity and opportunity in women’s athletics.
