IX Awards return to Allegiant Stadium on July 13

The IXs Foundation will host its fifth annual IX Awards on July 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, honoring five women leaders and athletes for advancing the legacy of Title IX. The sold-out event underscores the continued momentum behind women’s sports and the organizations backing expanded opportunity for women and girls.

Why it matters: - The sold-out IX Awards signal sustained demand for events centered on women’s sports and Title IX’s legacy. - The program spotlights leaders whose work has expanded opportunity, equity and visibility for women and girls. - The event also brings together sports, business, entertainment and philanthropy around that mission.

What happened: - The IXs Foundation will host its fifth annual IX Awards on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. - The Foundation will honor Diana Bennett, Lisa Leslie, Missy Franklin, Brandi Chastain and Hilary Knight. - The 2026 IX Awards are sold out. - The event starts with the IX’s Silver Carpet Reception and Awards at 6:15 p.m. - Jessica Mendoza will emcee the evening. - Rachel Platten and Broadway in the Hood will perform.

The details: - The IXs Foundation was founded in 2022 through the vision of Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis. - The Foundation says the IX Awards celebrate the enduring legacy and impact of Title IX. - The annual event recognizes leaders, pioneers and advocates who have expanded opportunities for women through sports and beyond. - Past honorees include Billie Jean King, the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team, Dominique Dawes, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lynette Woodard and Kristi Yamaguchi. - Diana Bennett will receive the Impact Award for work as co-founder of Paragon Gaming, her “circle of service” approach at Paragon, philanthropy and founding Rebels EmpowHER. - Lisa Leslie will receive the Excellence Award for a career that includes four Olympic gold medals, two world championship gold medals, three WNBA MVP awards and Hall of Fame honors as an individual and as a member of the 1996 Olympic team. - Leslie was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and played a key role in the formation of the league. - Missy Franklin will receive the Glass Ceiling Award after a career that includes two Olympics, five Olympic gold medals, 11 world championship gold medals and 2014 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year honors. - Brandi Chastain will receive the Icon Award for helping put U.S. women’s soccer on the map with the 1999 World Cup-winning penalty kick, along with two FIFA World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, National Soccer Hall of Fame recognition and co-founding Bay Area FC. - Hilary Knight will receive the Game Changer Award for a career that includes five Olympics, two Olympic gold medals, three Olympic silver medals, 10 world championship gold medals and status as USA Hockey’s all-time scoring leader. - Knight is the most decorated hockey player of all time, according to the Foundation. - Sponsors include the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aces and The Silk Family. - The Foundation says those partnerships help advance opportunities for women in sports. - More information is available at the IXs Foundation website. - Media credentialing and interview requests should go to Saint Public Relations at info@saintpublicrelations.com.

Between the lines: - The sold-out status suggests the market for women’s sports storytelling and recognition events has grown beyond niche interest. - The honorees mix athletes, executives and advocates, reinforcing that Title IX’s impact extends beyond competition results. - Mark Davis’ backing ties the event to major professional sports ownership and gives the Foundation built-in visibility.

What's next: - The Foundation will stage the awards ceremony and Silver Carpet reception on July 13. - Additional attention will likely center on the honorees, performances and the Foundation’s broader push to expand opportunities for women and girls. - Media coverage and interviews are expected around the event window.