gsport Hosts Breakthrough Business Accelerator Gathering for Women in Sport

gsport today hosted its most impactful commercial gathering yet, as the 4th gsport Business Breakfast evolved into a breakthrough Business Accelerator Event dedicated to advancing the women’s sport industry in South Africa, in Johannesburg on 27 November 2025.

Held at Henley Business School Africa, the event brought together leading decision-makers, rights-holders, brands, broadcast leaders, athletes, and advocates for a high-energy show-and-tell of commercial progress in women’s sport, and a collective call for increased investment, collaboration, and visibility. 

Celebrating The Power of Collaboration, the gathering showcased the growing strength of the #gsportHenley Commercial Stairway, first developed in 2021 through an action learning journey during Covid-19. In 2025, the Stairway continues to guide meaningful growth and commercial innovation across the women’s sport ecosystem.

For the first time, the Business Breakfast featured a structured accelerator format designed to improve visibility, stimulate business leads, and create opportunities for industry stakeholders to scale their work. 

This included:

• Visibility Partner: BSports Agency, expanding athlete and women-led business representation.
• Showcase Feature: Telkom’s Netball League trophy brought into the room, symbolising excellence and growing commercial value.
• Networking Power: Resident communications and networking specialist Phumeza Langa facilitated connections, content moments, and on-camera interactions.

The morning opened with an address by Sithembile Ntombela, Acting GM of Marketing at Brand South Africa, reflecting on the deepened relationship between BSA and gsport and the importance of long-term investment in women’s sport.

A compelling conversation followed with gsport Founder Kass Naidoo, who outlined how the Commercial Stairway continues to open doors for women in the business of sport and emphasised gsport’s role as a catalyst for industry collaboration.

A dynamic panel discussion featuring Jessica Mushavhathu (BSports Agency), Nwabisa Sauls (Nielsen Sports SA), and Lerato Tsholo (SABC Sport Digital) explored how far women’s sport has come commercially, and what urgent steps are still needed to unlock full market potential.

The programme also featured a powerful one-on-one “Leadership Lessons from the World Cup” interview with Mandla Mashimbyi, offering rare insights into high-performance leadership and how the Proteas Women went on to become the first South African senior team, male or female, to advance to the ICC ODI World Cup final. 

A new highlight of the event was the inaugural Power of Collaboration Accolades, recognising suppliers whose partnership elevated the 20th gsport Awards earlier this year:

• Endeavour AV – Technical and production excellence
• Décor 4 Hire – A standout visual and event experience
• Worldwide Sports – gsport’s longest-serving supplier and consistent collaborator

With delegates representing the breadth of South Africa’s sport and commercial landscape, the event reinforced a shared commitment to accelerating investment, visibility, and professional opportunities for girls and women in sport.

“This gathering shows just how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go when we work together,” said gsport Founder Kass Naidoo. 

“The Business Accelerator format reflects our belief that progress in women’s sport is not just possible, but inevitable, when collaboration is at the centre.”

The 4th gsport Business Breakfast has now cemented its place as the country’s premier commercial platform for women’s sport – a one-of-a-kind accelerator event and a celebration of industry growth, collective action, and future ambition.

The event was proudly supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Brand South Africa, SABC Sport, Telkom, Henley Business School Africa, Nielsen Sports South Africa, Gallo Images, and Worldwide Sports.

Main Photo Caption: gsport today hosted its most impactful commercial gathering yet, as the 4th gsport Business Breakfast evolved into a breakthrough Business Accelerator Event dedicated to advancing the women’s sport industry in South Africa, in Johannesburg on 27 November 2025. Photo: Gallo Images / Sharon Seretlo

Photo 2 Caption: Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi offering rare insights into high-performance leadership, and how South Africa became the first South African senior team, male or female, to advance to an ICC ODI World Cup final. Photo: Gallo Images / Sharon Seretlo