Barbie's New "Women in Sports" Dolls Are a Major Win For Athletes and Fans

Barbie is continuing to break new ground. First at the box office, and now in the toy aisle.

Mattel, maker of Barbie, recently announced its 2023 Barbie Career of the Year dolls are Women in Sports. "This year, knowing that women are severely underrepresented in the sports industry — from positions on the field to leadership in the locker room — Barbie is proud to introduce the Women in Sports lineup as the 2023 Career of the Year," the company said in a press release.

The new dolls are meant to highlight four careers in the sports industry: general manager, coach, referee, and sports reporter.

"This collection will help pave the way for a future where women's voices and talent are acknowledged and commemorated in the realm of sports and beyond. It's crucial to show girls, not just tell them, the opportunities that exist for them in the sports industry — a cause that everyone can cheer on, no matter what sport they play or what team they root for," Mattel states.

Each doll has its own unique style and accessories to help them get the job done. General manager Barbie wears a blue-and-white pinstripe suit accessorized with her staff pass and a smartphone. Coach Barbie has a pink megaphone, playbook, and, of course, two-piece pink jacket and athletic shorts. Referee Barbie wears a headset, whistle, and traditional referee uniform with a little Barbie flair: a pink star on her chest. Plus, she carries a yellow flag for those tough calls in the game. Finally, sports reporter Barbie wears a purple, geometric-patterned dress and carries a pink tablet and microphone so she's ready for any courtside or sideline interview.

In line with this push for representation, Barbie is also partnering with Voice In Sport, a community and advocacy organization that encourages and inspires young girls to reach their dreams in sports. This includes an upcoming mentoring session on Sept. 12 about building a career in sports where Dr. Jen Welter, the first woman coach in the NFL, will be featured.

"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," Dr. Welter said in Mattel's statement. "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."

Mattel's investment in women in sports is a welcomed one and an indication that these athletes and careers are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.

The Women in Sports Barbie Dolls ($50 each) are available to shop on the Mattel website and Amazon.

Women in Sports Barbie Dolls

From

$50

$50 at Amazon