Epicenter of Women’s Sports with Karina LeBlanc

Highlights and takeaways from The Epicenter: Women's Global Sports Summit presented by Nike, at the Philip H. Knight Campus, Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon during Epicenter Week. Commissioners, Olympians, scientists and builders took the stage to share insights and where the industry is headed.

The morning after officially retiring as a Portland Thorn, Tobin Heath sits down with former teammate Karina LeBlanc to reflect on her career, what made Portland different, and the future of women’s sports. Plus, Christen Press makes a surprise appearance to reflect on Tobin’s retirement and legacy.

Recorded live at The Epicenter: Women's Global Sports Summit presented by Nike, Karina LeBlanc brings Dawn Staley, Scout Bassett, Bridget Carlton, and Sophia Wilson to the stage who are the proof point of what investing in women's sports gives back.

Megan DiLeo (formerly Megan Gustafson) and her husband, professional basketball player David DiLeo give their first interview as newlyweds in a conversation with Portland Fire teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker and host Karina LeBlanc.

In this episode, Karina and Reilyn look back on what brought her to the Portland Thorns: a rookie year in Louisville, a contract extension, her first home, and the rose that waits every time she scores at Providence Park. Behind all of it are her mom and grandma, both single moms, whose work ethic shaped her. Reilyn talks about chasing the standard of the national team, what representation means to her, the header game she wants to be remembered for, and why having fun has carried her further than anything else.

Two decorated athletes, one household, four Olympic gold medals between them, and a combined career that spans World Cup finals and the earliest days of the NWSL. Lauren and Jrue Holiday on what it actually takes to build something that lasts.

Boardroom, ballroom, or on the pitch — KeyBank Market President Josh Lyons and Thorns forward Morgan Weaver join Karina to talk through the bank's largest-ever investment in women's sports and what it means for the players, the Academy, and the next generation of girls coming up behind Morgan.

Epicenter's first-ever live taping, recorded at Moda Center before a Portland Fire home game. Karina sits down with four of the women who built the original Fire — Jackie Stiles, Sophia Witherspoon, Sylvia Crawley, and head coach Linda Hargrove — for a Legacy Reignited moment twenty-three years in the making.

After the Mother's Day special with Reilyn Turner, Megan Gustafson and Karlie Samuelson, host Karina LeBlanc returns with the second half of the sit-down. The three Portland pros open up about what they're learning and unlearning at this stage of their careers, the rivalry with Seattle, and the responsibility of setting a new standard for women's sports.

Karina LeBlanc sits down with Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns), Karlie Samuelson and Megan Gustafson (Portland Fire) for a Mother's Day conversation on the moms and mother figures who shaped them.

Diana Taurasi rarely does podcasts. The only basketball player ever to win six Olympic gold medals joins Karina in Portland for a rare, reflective conversation on what made her great, what lights her up now, and what Portland has to get right with the Fire coming back.

Sarah Spain joins Karina LeBlanc for a conversation on the evolution of women’s sports and the systems that have shaped it.

New Portland Thorns head coach Robert Vilahamn joins Karina LeBlanc less than 24 hours after arriving in Portland to share the leadership philosophy that will define his team. From bravery on the pitch to purpose off it, this conversation offers the first look at a new era for the Thorns.

In the Season 1 finale, Jenny Nguyen shares the story behind The Sports Bra and how one idea grew into a global movement for belonging and representation in women’s sports. She and Karina discuss identity, vulnerability, and the power of having the right people around you in defining moments of leadership.

Elizabeth Lindsey, Global President of Brands & Properties at Wasserman, breaks down what the data really reveals about fandom and the growth of women’s sports—challenging old metrics, amplifying the power of female consumers, and re-defining what leadership and success look like today.

Host Karina LeBlanc sits down with her former teammate and friend Christine Sinclair for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation on legacy, leadership, and what comes after greatness. From her Hall of Fame induction to her next chapter in Portland, Sinclair reflects on the resilience and purpose that defined her career.

Host Karina LeBlanc sits down with Vanja Černivec, General Manager of the Portland Fire and Jeff Agoos, General Manager of the Portland Thorns, to talk about building trust, leading through change, and creating a culture where athletes and staff can thrive.

Recorded live at The Epicenter: Women’s Global Sports Summit at Nike World Headquarters, the conversation with Carl Lewis, Sylvia Fowles, Shannon Boxx explores resilience, redefining success, and the systems athletes need to thrive.

Olivia Moultrie and Deyna Castellanos on breaking barriers and changing the game.

In their first-ever podcast appearance, Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal—co-owners of RAJ Sports and the driving force behind the Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire—share their story and their vision for the future of women’s sports. From defining family and business moments to their career paths that led to becoming the only ownership group in the U.S. with two professional women’s teams, Lisa and Alex open up about why women’s sports represent one of the fastest-growing opportunities in business today—and why they believe this is just the beginning. The siblings and business partners talk candidly about why women’s sports, why now, and why Portland—sharing their vision for making the city the global epicenter of women’s sports. Listeners will hear what fans, brands, and investors should know about this historic moment—and, beyond the business, get a personal look at who Lisa and Alex are as leaders, innovators, and family.

Clare Hamill, Interim President of the Portland Fire, spent four decades helping to shape women’s sports, athletes, and brands around the world at Nike. Just when she thought she was retired, the opportunity to build something historic pulled her back in: the return of Portland’s WNBA franchise, the Portland Fire. In this episode, Clare joins Karina to share why she came out of retirement for this moment, what it takes to bring back a professional team and brand, and the leadership lessons she’ll carry from her career into this next chapter. She also reflects on her work creating the WIN (Women in Nike) program, which helps WNBA players transition into life and careers beyond the court. From decades spent elevating women athletes on the global stage to shaping the future of women’s basketball in Portland, Clare offers candid insights on purpose, resilience, and the power of saying yes when the right opportunity comes along.

Welcome to The Epicenter of Women’s Sports, a new podcast hosted by Olympic medalist and global sports executive Karina LeBlanc. This short intro episode sets the stage for what’s to come - raw, real conversations at the intersection of women’s sports, leadership, and business. Karina brings you inside access to the fastest-growing space in sports—featuring industry executives, cultural changemakers, championship-winning athletes, and bold investors. New episodes drop every two weeks, each offering insights into the rapid growth and future of women’s sports, and the leadership lessons that extend far beyond the game.