With 250+ careers and counting, Barbie continues to inspire the potential in every child as the brand introduces the Women in Sports lineup as the 2023 Career of the Year. 

Knowing that women remain underrepresented in the sports industry, from positions on the field to team coaches and leaders beyond the locker room, the Barbie brand has launched the Women in Sports lineup as the 2023 Career of the Year. The 2023 Career of the Year Women in Sports set of dolls highlights four unique careers to encourage girls to consider a career in sports, whether that be as an athlete or one of the several other roles offered in the industry, which remains underrepresented for women.

Research shows that women continue to be underrepresented and that in the sports industry, media focus on men over women makes sports careers less visible to the next generation. Barbie is continuing its commitment to help support and empower the next generation of female leaders in sports to thrive by partnering with Voice in Sport, a community that connects and inspires girls and women in sports through research, education and advocacy, founded by Sports Industry executive, Stef Strack. Through this partnership, Barbie and Voice in Sport will host an inspirational 45-minute virtual mentoring session on Building a Career in Sports.

The VIS session is designed to encourage girls to pursue their interest in sports, whether that be on or off the field. Featuring Stef Strack, CEO and founder, and Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals as well as the first woman to play running back in men’s professional football, hosted by Pepper Parsley, 12-year-old sports journalist commentator and host of Dish with Pepper. The session, free to attend, will take place on September 12th from 5pm- 6pm PST. Girls ages 12+ can sign up here.

“Throughout my career I have been unwavering in my commitment to lead by example and empower girls to follow their dreams, ultimately to increase access and opportunities for women in sports,” said Dr. Jen Welter, first female coach in the NFL. “I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Barbie and remind young girls that they can achieve greatness in any profession they choose – whether that’s on the field, in the locker room, or behind the mic. Through this partnership, I hope to ignite a passion for all of the possibilities sports unlock for the next generation of women and help pave the way for a future where women’s voices and talent are recognized and celebrated across the sporting world and beyond.”

The Barbie Women in Sports Career of the Year Lineup includes:

• General Manager: wears a blue and white pinstripe suit and black loafers, and comes with a silver necklace, smartphone and ID badge.
• Coach: clad in a pink and white Barbie jacket with matching athletic shorts, featuring a pink headband, playbook and pink megaphone.
• Referee: sports a black and white striped referee shirt and black leggings, equipped with a black headset, yellow flag and silver whistle.
• Sports Reporter: wears a patterned purple peplum dress and carries a pink Barbie notebook and microphone.

The dolls will be available from September 6th, on Amazon.