Boren wins bipartisan Senate support for women’s sports incentive

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, won bipartisan support from the Senate for her legislation expanding the state’s professional sports tax rebate program to include women’s professional sports. Senate Bill 820 was approved on Wednesday.

 “In Norman, we’ve seen how fan excitement and enthusiasm for women’s sports like softball, soccer, and basketball has really exploded in recent years, and our capital city is already home to a professional women’s softball team, the Oklahoma City Spark,” Boren said. “Any vision for professional sports in Oklahoma must include opportunities for women’s sports.”

The program, which was approved during the 2024 session, specifically made the rebate available to teams with the National Football League (NFL); National Basketball Association (NBA); National Hockey League (NHL); Major League Baseball (MLB); and Major League Soccer (MLS). Under Boren’s Senate Bill 820, the tax rebate program would also include the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA); Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF); and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

“Media coverage of women’s sports has tripled since 2021, and by 2024, the industry was expected to generate over $1 billion for the first time in global revenue, driving investments in new teams and leagues,” Boren said. “We have an opportunity to take advantage of this growth, attracting jobs, boosting our economy, and creating new opportunities for world-class women athletes right here in Oklahoma.”

SB 820 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, is the House principal author.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov