About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Image of Brynn Cartelli provided by Glenn Fukushima and Elektra for use by 360 MAGAZINE.

Brynn Cartelli x Based On A True Story

Singer Songwriter Brynn Cartelli has released her debut EP Based On A True Story, available now at all DSPS and streaming services (EP artwork/tracklisting below). The EP arrives alongside a heartwarming lyric video for “Jane” featuring home footage from her childhood, available now on Brynn’s official YouTube channel.

Returning to her hometown of Longmeadow, MA after the surreal experience of winning NBC’s season 14 of The Voice and touring with Kelly Clarkson, Brynn became hyperaware of getting back to her normal life as a teen. Based On A True Story is a snapshot of the time she spent reconnecting with friends, being observant, and really honing into what being young is about.

Cartelli comments on the EP, “Based On A True Story is the foundation of who I am as a singer-songwriter. Writing this project brought me back home, back with my friends and family. I was finally able to comment on my high school and teenage experience from an honest place. It feels like I’m opening up my diary for the world to read, and I could not be more terrified and excited all at once.”

Brynn takes seemingly small moments from typical suburban experiences and turns them into candid, anthemic pop ballads that people of all ages can relate to. The previously unreleased “Imaginary Stranger” fulfills a wish she held for years, vividly detailing her connection to her grandfather who passed away from lung cancer six years before her birth. Then, there’s the piano-driven “Love You In My Mind,” which is based off a collection of stories from fans who were obsessing over crushes. Blossoming from an acoustic intro into a bouncy refrain, the buoyant “We Belong”  captures an idyllic moment of teen freedom and friendship in lines like, “We didn’t get invited to the party it’s fine, so we’ll sit around the fire and we’ll talk about life.” As the final addition to the EP, “Jane” pairs a powerhouse vocal performance with lullaby-style instrumentation that sees Brynn imagining what it would be like if she was someone else specifically choosing the name Jane because that’s almost what her mom had named her.

Co-written by Brynn and Ben Abraham (Demi Lovato, Sara Bareilles, and Kesha), “If I Could”  which has already seen over 2 million streams, is Brynn’s message to a friend in a one-sided relationship, “If I could do it for you, then I would say, Goodbye.” She originally shared a snippet of the song through a post on Tik Tok that has amassed over 8 million views and recently performed the track on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Long Way Home” co-written by Brynn and Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue and Colbie Caillat), was the first track released off the EP and her first new music since 2019, attracting praise as People named Brynn among its “Emerging Artists to Watch.” Directed by Blythe Thomas (Julia Michaels, Hozier, Grace Vanderwall), the official video for the track sees Brynn and her real-life friends driving around New York City, singing and dancing through the streets of Greenwich Village and Times Square, and even celebrating her friend Piper’s 18th birthday with a surprise cake.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY AVAILABLE NOW

Music illustration for Pornhub article in 360 MAGAZINE

LENNY TAVÁREZ x KRACK SEASON 4

Today, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter LENNY TAVÁREZ released “KRACK SEASON 4” finally culminating his long-awaited new album KRACK.

KRACK has been a labor of love that has been going on for a year now and has been released periodically in the form of four different installments or “seasons.” The first season turned out to be a hit with “La Pared 360” alongside Justin Quiles, which garnered an impressive 68 million views on YouTube;  “La Mujer Traiciona” with Beéle with 28 million views; “Acerola” with Cauty and Rafa Pabon accumulating 4.6 million views, and “La Neta”, which has accumulated 28 million views.

For the second season, he released “Dispulo” with Dalex, which garnered 2.8 million views; the music video “A 100” which had 8.7 million views; “TBT” with Brytiago (4.6 million views) and “Enfermo de Riqueza” Lenny’s version of a corrido tumbado with Natanael Cano and Ovi (4.8 million views).

Later, LENNY surprised his fans for KRACK season 3 with the widely accepted collaboration “Me Enamora” with Zion & Lennox (12 million views), “Surprise” and “Rutina” another praised collaboration with Alexis and Fido and Kevvo.

Now, for the fourth and final season, LENNY launches “Lo Tengo Todo” demonstrating once more his strength as a soloist with a classic reggaeton where he sings that he appreciates his life, his health, and is surrounded by people who support him, that’s why “Lo Tengo Todo” the song is combined with a music video where we see LENNY in his natural habitat, doing the things he loves with the people he cares about, which gives him a more accessible feeling as a person and as an artist. “KRACK Season 4” also includes the song “Kush”, and an unprecedented collaboration with Nicky Jam, “Imagine”, thus culminating an era of growth, where to find your sound, and positioned as one of the most prominent artists of the Latin Urban genre.

STREAM KRACK HERE

Image of Joy Denalane provided by Kevin Young and UMusic for sue by 360 MAGAZINE.

Joy Denalane x The Show

Today, Motown Records’ German Queen of Soul Joy Denalane unveils her new single “The Show.”

This soulful slow-burn simmers over laidback guitar and a steady beat. It builds into a sweeping and soaring refrain backed by orchestral strings and cinematic horns. Joy’s vocal acrobatics uplift the hook as she confesses, “If my mistakes come to the surface, I’m sorry I was part of the show.”

Talking about the track, she shared, “The Show” is about that moment when kids realize, ‘After all, my parents are just as questionable and flawed as I am.’ When children become teenagers, their parents’ hero status is quite rightly questioned. I tell my children, ‘Please forgive me, that I too am only a part of the show, a part of the system and as such fallible.’ The song aims to soften the shock of that realization for the kids and help navigate them through the complexities of life.”

Forbes praised the original release of her Motown debut album LET YOURSELF BE LOVED and claimed, “Throughout her career, Denalane has remained intentional about developing and maintaining her own unique style. The release of LET YOURSELF BE LOVED is a celebration of the music that she loves, and a culmination the musician that she has become.” Meanwhile, Atwood Magazine raved, “Denalane’s syrupy smooth voice is a little bit Diana, a little bit Etta.” It has also racked up over 5 million-plus streams and counting thus far. Recently, she paid homage to Bill Withers with a traffic-stopping cover of “Use Me.” Receiving acclaimRated R&B said, “The German-born lady of soul, who has a remarkable affinity for channeling the kindred soul spirit of the past, does a fine job remaking the immortal song about getting the best use of someone.” Be on the lookout for more from Joy Denalane soon.

LET YOURSELF BE LOVED is in equal parts self-assertion, genealogy and homage to the great classics of the genre. A musical masterpiece where Denalane confidently brings together all the strands of her previous work. Nevertheless, she is not interested in vintage simulations of old soul recordings. She is driven by showing her musical identity. The album includes her singles “I Believe (Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid),” “I Gotta Know” and “Top Of My Love.” Recently Joy performed her track “Be Here In The Morning (Feat. CS Armstrong)” on COLORS.

Listen here.

Queen's Greatest Hits Album cover provided by Sharrin Summers and Hollywood Records for use by 360 MAGAZINE.

Queen’s Greatest Hits

Hitting a jaw-dropping 439 weeks, and counting, on the Billboard200 – currently sitting at #21 on the prestigious US chart – and already wearing the crown as the UK’s biggest selling album of all time, achieving the third longest chart run on the UK Official Charts, Queen’s 1981 Greatest Hits collection is getting a limited edition makeover to mark not only the band’s historic 50th landmark, but also the album’s 40th anniversary.

First released in 1981, Greatest Hits is certified 9x Platinum in the U.S. and stands alone as the first and only album to have sold over 6 million copies in the UK (6.75 million sales to date), has now spent over 900 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, and has been certified a staggering 22 platinum with global sales in excess of 25 million.

And there’s more according to the Official Charts Company who crowned it Britain’s most popular album of the past 60 years, one in four British households already own a copy of the album.

Now, following the record-breaking global success of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody feature film earning almost $1billion at the international box office – a new generation of faithful Queen followers has emerged ensuring that Queen’s undiminishing appeal will continue well beyond their current record-breaking achievements.

These historic landmarks are now to be marked and celebrated with a brand new collector’s edition Greatest Hits CD with exclusive slipcase cover and a limited edition cassette format, both to be released globally July 2.

In addition, the Official Queen Online Store will exclusively offer the collector’s edition Greatest Hits CD and four highly limited band member color cassettes. This version of the Slipcase CD encases a CD-sized print personally signed by band members Brian May and Roger Taylor (limited to 1000 copies only).

Global Formats

  • Collector’s Edition Greatest Hits CD With Exclusive Slipcase Cover
  • Collector’s Edition Clear Cassette

Queen Online Store Exclusive Formats

  • Collector’s Edition CD With Exclusive Slipcase Cover signed by Brian May and Roger Taylor, bundled with all 4 band member colour cassettes and a Greatest Hits gold plated badge (limited to 1000 signed copies)
  • Collector’s Edition Frosted Aqua Cassette Freddie Mercury Cover
  • Collector’s Edition Transparent Pink Cassette Brian May Cover
  • Collector’s Edition Transparent Green Cassette Roger Taylor Cover
  • Collector’s Edition Transparent Blue Cassette John Deacon Cover

All formats available to pre-order HERE

Image of Blxst x Bino Rideaux release provided by Alex John and Red Bull Records for use by 360 MAGAZINE.

Blxst x Bino Rideaux

Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, rising LA hip-hop artists Blxst and Bino Rideaux join forces on the release of their new single, “Movie.” Out now via Red Bull Records, “Movie” is the first single off the South Central artists’ highly anticipated release of Sixtape 2, the sequel to their 2019 collaborative mixtape.

“Me and Bino are like Shaq and Kobe, it’s only right we doubled back for part two to tear the summer up,” says Blxst of the release. “LA is looking good right now; we have to keep the torch lit.”

“When Sixtape dropped it felt like everything tha city needed that summer…from bad b*****s to street n****s to old folks and kids,” says Bino Rideaux. “Me and Blxst on a tracc together guaranteed to bring that vibe out you.”

Having been labeled as two of LA’s next up and coming talents, the single combines the R&B and hip-hop influences of both artists, boasting a quintessential West Coast sound that serves as the perfect soundtrack to kick off the summer season. Showcasing their incomparable chemistry, “Movie” allows both Blxst and Bino to flex their slick lyricism and penchant for instantaneously catchy melodies, setting the tone for what fans can expect from their forthcoming project.

Sixtape 2 is set for release this summer, stay tuned for more info.

Blxst began his solo music career in Los Angeles in 2015, rapping, singing, writing, and producing. From self-editing his videos and artwork to mixing and mastering his sound, he’s been on an unstoppable run, gaining notoriety for his productions and collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, YG, Eric Bellinger, Mustard, G Perico, Mozzy, and Kalan.FrFr.

Last year saw the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, No Love Lost, an expansive and emotive collection of music inspired by past relationships and his hometown of Los Angeles. Paired with a four-part cinematic series of videos to bring the project’s overarching narrative to life, its quintessential West Coast vibe received acclaim from fans, press, and tastemakers, cited by Pigeons & Planes as “one of the best projects of 2020.” Following this up with his first release of 2021, the two-track project Just For Clarity featuring Drakeo the Ruler and Russ, Blxst has solidified his position as the next must-watch musician out of LA. Receiving praise from Billboard, BET, Complex, Pitchfork, XXL, and more, in May 2021 Blxst was also announced as the latest Amazon Breakthrough artist.

With a one-two punch of laidback flows and hypnotic melodies, Bino Rideaux has quietly shaped the next era of West Coast hip-hop. Growing up in South Central, he crafted his 2015 independent project, Life Is Like A Movie, out of a D.I.Y. studio in his grandmother’s house. Gaining traction around L.A., he co-founded Out The Blue Records and dropped music at a prolific pace. Penned in the wake of his homie KP’s death, “100 Days 100 Nights” caught the attention of the late Nipsey Hussle. He featured on Nipsey’s tracks “Clarity” and “The Field” before they teamed up on the 2017 joint project No Pressure.

As his profile rose, Bino linked with Blxst on Sixtape in 2019 before unleashing his full-length debut, Outside, which boasted appearances by heavyweights such as Ty Dolla $ign, Fredo Bang, Mozzy, and BlueBucksClan. In addition to praise from Complex, LA Weekly, VICE, and more, UPROXX named it one of the “100 Best Albums of 2020.” Signing to Def Jam in partnership with Out The Blue, he only perfected his signature style on the likes of “Pride 2 The Side” and “BET” before igniting 2021 with the entrancing guitar-laden trip of “Incredible” [feat. Drakeo The Ruler]. Pegged as one of Rolling Stone’s “Breakthrough 25,” Billboard championed him among “6 LA Rappers to Watch in 2021” and went on to describe him as “the brightest star to emerge from that orbit.” Meanwhile, KAZI christened him “one of the West Coast’s most exciting new talents.”

Cybertruck illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Summer Tires In Winter; Why It Is Not Advisable To Use Them

Seasons are not constant. They keep changing, so should your tires. Tires that are made for use in the summer cannot be used on hard slippery winter roads. Although the hassle involved in changing the summer tires can be costly and tedious, it is worth ensuring you are safe during the transition.

Because you know your area better, you can determine when to change the tires. In some areas though, the conditions are mild, making it unnecessary to change tires if you are using the all-season ones. Here are reasons why you should not use your summer tires in winter. Take a peek.

  1. Some of the Dangers for Using Summer Tires During Winter
  2. Loss of Traction and Poor Grip

Summer tires are made with lower resistance to make them perform efficiently and minimize noise. However, the resistance is not enough to be used on icy roads.

When compared to summer tires, winter tires are made with deep tread. It helps with braking and high rolling resistance which keeps vehicles steady on the road. The sipes on winter tires provide a firm grip on the snow.

Extreme cold can make tires break. The compound used in making winter tires is soft, which makes it adjust to extreme weather. It becomes stiff when the temperatures go down, causing them to lose traction or even break. 

All-season tires also have deep treads and sipes to make them suitable for all weather. But, these can only be ideal in areas where temperatures do not reach their extremes. In such conditions, these tires lose their traction as well and their grip is not good.

  1. Risk Damage Due to Cold Temperatures

The roads do not have to necessarily be snowy or icy to affect summer tires during the winter season. When the temperature drops, the compound used in making cheap summer tires stiffen. The elasticity and the traction get lost. This results in tire cracking and chipping off the tread block. 

When tires reach this damage extent, they are unsafe for use and car owners should replace them as soon as possible. Failure to do so, you could be risking damaging the rim and worse causing accidents because the car is prone to slipping.

  1. All-Season Tires as an Alternative

These tires are better alternatives to cheap summer tires for those living in places with mild conditions. Although it is not advisable to use them in extreme winters, they don’t pose a huge risk like the summer tires when used in the right conditions. 

For places with mild conditions, drivers can save time used in changing tires and money for buying and installing new ones.

  1. When Do You Need Summer Tires?

Summer tires are often not suitable for use in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. During summer, the temperatures exceed this level. This time is ideal to fix your winter tires on your vehicle to enjoy that grip.

  1. When Do You Need Winter Tires?

Since summer tires are used when temperatures shoot above7 degrees Celsius, winter tires are used when the temperature falls below this value. These tires provide an aggressive grip that reduces the braking distance. 

When used in warmer conditions, the compound used in making these tires becomes overly soft and wears out fast.

  1. When Do You Need All-Season Tires?

Although they are called all-season tires, they cannot be compared to those specially made for certain conditions. They are limited to the weather extremes. It means that if the temperatures are too hot or too cold, these tires are not as efficient. 

But, when used in mild conditions, drivers of vehicles that use these tires can enjoy a saving cost on fuel. They also last long when compared to other tires because they can easily adapt to different conditions. They are also quiet and this makes motorists feel comfortable and peaceful when driving. 

Manufacturers understand the need for road safety in different seasons. That is why they produce season-specific tires. They have different features that make them efficient for the season they are meant for. Why would you risk when you have options that can help you and your loved ones stay safe?

Art by Kaelen of 360 Magazine for use by 360 Magazine

Annual Ischia Film Festival

An unprecedented, intimate, deep and evocative company that takes shape from the talent and imagination of directors and screenwriters and translates that into new visions, under the moonlight of the Aragonese Castle of Ischia: there will be six Italian preview films selected in competition in the “Scenari Campani” for the nineteenth edition of the Ischia Film Festival, which will be held in the presence of the public and talent from 26 June to 3 July on the Covid free island.

It reconstructs the extraordinary work carried out in Campania by psychiatrist Sergio Piro, on the long wave of the Basaglia reform, “Al lupo bad”, by Chiara Tarfano and Ilaria Luperini. It is a film in 5 episodes “L’ardore dei timidi”, by Antonio Vladimir Marino, which reflects in a surreal way on the absurdity of existence. Historical suggestions and mystery mix in “Clarus”, by Michele Schiano. “The consequences of the actor – Little Michele Esposito”, by Daniele Chiariello and Pierfrancesco Cantarella, traces the short but significant career of a young man from Amalfi, an actor by chance in several popular Neapolitan films of the 1980s. “Estate Povera”, by Andrea Piretti, documents the commendable activity of Neapolitan volunteers committed to helping the poorest and most needy during the months of the pandemic. It recalls the Ischia of yesteryear, “Fragments”, by Boris Molinaro, in which some characters linked to the territory (the sculptor, the restaurant manager, the seafarer) are committed to preserving the historical memory of the island.

“This section intends to enhance the cinematographic works, whether they are fictional or use the language of the cinema of reality, shot in recognizable territories (not studios or interiors) of the Campania region or that have Campania as their main location”, underlines the artistic director of the Michelangelo Messina festival. “The Campania Region, which for four years has supported the festival under a cinema law that finances the entire audiovisual sector, has identified the cinematographic story as an important means of promoting tourism and cultural heritage. – Messina continues – It therefore seemed right to us, from the first year in which this important support measure was established, to dedicate a significant piece of the festival to those works that are often realized thanks to these financing measures. ”

To learn more about the Ischia Film Festival visit the official website.

Covid by Mina Tocalini

5 Covid Safe Travel Tips

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced an update to their guidelines, sharing that those who are fully vaccinated are at a “low risk” of infection when traveling abroad or domestically. However, the CDC warns that states and territories may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 travel restrictions.

According to a recent Airbnb report, 54% of people have already booked their next trip, are planning to travel, or expect to travel in 2021, signaling the importance of staying healthy & safe flying.

Dr. Elizabeth Mullans shares 5 tips to travel safely:

  • Wear a face mask. The CDC’s Emergency Order mandates face masks be worn on all public conveyances. While breathable, comfortable, reusable masks are important for virus protection, wearing them for long periods of time may cause skin irritation and acne. This may trigger skin sensitivities, so make sure to wash face masks with a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent like, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear.
  • Keep the Immune System Strong. Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get adequate sleep (even if it means snoozing on the plane). Airlines have stepped up cleaning and social distancing measures on planes to maximize air flow volume for all passengers through HEPA filtration systems, however, the low humidity levels inside of an airplane cabin can oftentimes cause onset of a cold. Keep a cold shortening product that contains Zinc on-hand, like Zicam, and take an immune supplement to proactively support overall health while traveling. A great option is vitafusion Triple Immune Power because of its great-tasting gummy form.
  • Organize important documents. Whether traveling internationally or domestically, always keep vaccination cards, COVID-19 test results, driver’s licenses, hotel confirmation print outs, and passports in a secure place like in a DocSafe Document Bag. For those vaccinated, laminate the vaccination card to avoid water damage.
  • Use an alcohol-free, long lasting hand sanitizer. Disinfect & Shield Hand Sanitizer is available as a moisture-infused foam or spray that leaves an invisible, “breathable” barrier on the skin. It not only destroys 99.99% of bacteria but is also eco-friendly, making it ultra-safe for use around pets and plants while protecting the treated surface for up to a full eight hours. Unlike most hand sanitizers, Disinfect & Shield is alcohol-free and eliminates the harsh fumes and cracked, dry skin that accompanies alcohol-based sanitizers. Plus, it’s safe for use on PPE and masks.
  • Adhere to CDC guidelines. Although many are not required to stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7-days after traveling, it is important to follow all state and local recommendations as they can vary state to state.

Remember to be mindful, plan out a trip well in advance, and be aware of the COVID-19 policies and guidelines set by the destination you’re visiting. Remember, a negative COVID-19 test before your trip does not necessarily mean you are in the clear. Symptoms might not show for up to two weeks, so remain cautious.

Audrey Mika Image given by Jamie Azbug and RCA Records for use by 360 MAGAZINE.

Audrey Mika x Alive

20 year-old rising star Audrey Mika returns to release her new song and video for “Alive” via RCA Records. Written by Audrey, Midi Jones, Andrew Luce, Jesse Saint John and Amisha Sarkar and produced by Midi Jones and Andrew Luce, “Alive” is a soaring showcase for Audrey’s powerhouse vocals. The music video for the track, directed by Mara Whitehead, is the first time Audrey is letting the world into her past life as a dancer.

Audrey Mika says, “This song is a huge reminder to me to be thankful that I am even here and alive in this world and appreciating the ups and downs of life. It’s a reminder and affirmation that it’s okay to not always be okay and to surround yourself with people that look out for you. I’ve come to realize that I wanted to bring dancing and my music together and go back to this part of me. I think that dancing adds vulnerability and I felt it went hand in hand with this song. The dancing, the singing, and the lyrics show all the different sides of me and who I am. And I hope I can share, and inspire others to do the same and show them that they can trust themselves when things become uncomfortable.”

Earlier this year, Audrey released “Chivalry” and “Excuses” which was featured in Teen Vogue’s “Best New Music Friday” list as well as Billboard’s “10 Cool New Pop Songs.”

Hailing from the Bay Area, Audrey Mika first rose to prominence as a YouTube sensation whose following has continued to grow with her unique covers of popular hits. She has amassed over 1.55 million YouTube subscribers who flock to check out her original material such as her two prior projects, 2018’s “Are We There Yet” and 2019’s “Level Up,’ which she recorded entirely on GarageBand. Her latest EP 5 A.M. was released in early 2020 and includes her hit “Y U Gotta B Like That” which has amassed over 111M streams worldwide as well as“Fake Heartbreak” which Idolator called “soulful.” She’s been called a “rising star” by Paper Magazine, Ladygunn declared her “a beacon of Generation Z brightness,” Flaunt Magazine said she “is more than meets the eye, she is a true visionary with a dedication to her dope desires,” Idolator declared her “…one of the breakout stars of 2020” and her original music has been praised by Ones To Watch who called it “incredible.” Her spring tour saw her first ever New York show sold out. In the summer of 2020, Audrey released “Just Friends” which was met with Billboard praising her “top-notch vocals,” and E! News declaring it an “irrepressibly catchy track” as well as “Red Gatorade” which Idolator called a “bop.” She was featured on “Safe With Me” with producer Gryffin which has garnered over 6M streams worldwide. Audrey released her first taste of music in 2021 with “Excuses.”

Watch “Alive” HERE.

Soccer Illustration by Hannah Beck for use by 360 MAGAZINE.

Men’s vs. Women’s UEFA Champions League Finals

While sports in the United States are slowly beginning to return to normal, the Champions League in Europe has been in full swing since August, and next Sunday Manchester City will play Chelsea in the UEFA Men’s Champions League Final. What most of you probably don’t know, and what even most soccer players don’t know is that last Sunday the Women’s Champions League Final was held, and Barcelona’s Womens team beat Chelsea’s Women’s team 4-0.

Barcelona has a very impressive record in the Women’s Champions League with 26 games played and 26 games won. This is Barcelona’s first Champions League win, and it is well deserved. Barcelona’s Womens team went all regular season without losing a single game. An achievement like this would be on the front-page news if it were Barcelona’s men’s team, rather than its women’s. There is an evident disparity in the advertisement of the men’s and women’s championship game, the commentating and reporting of the game, and most obviously the viewership.

The 2020 Men’s Champions League Final featuring Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain had an astounding 2.05 million American viewers, the highest viewership in 5 years. In comparison, 1.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2020 Women’s final where Olympique Lyonnais won over Wolfsburg, the highest viewership a UEFA Women’s final had ever seen. The 2013 Men’s Champions League Final had the most fans watching with over 21.6 million people tuning in to watch Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid. That is more than twelve times the viewership for the most watched UEFA Women’s final. The 2013 Champions League final was broadcasted on Fox and streamed free for all fans while the women’s game was shown on DAZN and through select paid streaming programs. With a more popular network boosting the viewership and the ease of access offered for the men’s championship, it is no wonder the women’s game received substantially less viewers.

The 2013 Men’s final included live game commentary and updates with famous reporters such as Warren Barton, Brad Friedel, Eric Wynalda, Stuart Holden, and Alexi Lalas. All of whom are former professional players with years of experience reporting soccer matches and established esteemed reputations. The women’s champions final was hosted by television sportscaster Clive Tyldesley, who is not a player but has been reporting on soccer matches for years. Despite Tyldesley’s knowledge and experience, five voices reporting the men’s final is a huge different from one, and it seems more emphasis and effort were put into the commentating and reporting of the Men’s Champions League final.

There is also a major difference in the pre- and post-game reporting by outside sources and news outlets. News stations, soccer websites, fans and fan accounts, papers and sports magazines are all responsible for spreading awareness of up-coming matches and high stakes games. When a game is reposted on social media by friends and family, included in the daily news report, or even scrolled across while surfing channels you are more likely to tune into the match. The women’s final received much less pre-game exposure on social media, news sites and sports pages in comparison to the men’s games. A simple Google or Wikipedia search of “Men’s Champions League final” and “Women’s Champions League final” will demonstrate the obvious difference in coverage and reporting.

The main reason for the disparity in commentating, after game reporting on news sites, and in papers and the actual televising of the game is based on money. With more viewers comes more in game advertisements and more revenue, which leads to more games televised and more exposure for male athletes. The male athletes thus increase in popularity and earn more sponsorships, subsequently earning more money. As these male athletes become more popular and receive more airtime, the cycle continues leaving women’s sports in the dust. Unable to compete with the popularity male sports and male athletes have, coupled with the stigmatization that female sports are “boring” to watch and feature far less athleticism and strategy, women’s sports have a few hurdles to overcome before it receives the recognition it deserves.

However, this negative perception of women’s sports is beginning to change, the U.S. Women’s National Team is one of the more popular sports teams in the world and even more so within the United States. Having won four World Cup trophies (1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019) and four Olympic Gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012) the women’s team regularly outperforms the U.S. Men’s National Team which has participated in 10 FIFA World Cups and four Olympics, and yet to take home a trophy or gold medal. The Women’s National Team is a rare example of a women’s professional game that receives higher praise and fan involvement than a men’s professional team and shows how far women’s sports have come. The sports world is filled with powerful, successful female athletes and professional women’s teams: Serena Williams, Mia Ham, Abby Wambach the Brazilian Women’s National Team, and many more. These athletes are less recognized than their male counterparts in most scenarios and when prompted to name 10 male athletes and 10 female athletes most would struggle to complete the second part of the task. To continue to build the female sports world there needs to be an increase in the fanbase, viewership and sponsorship of female athletes and female athletic teams.

With more networks and streaming platforms streaming women’s professional sports matches, the games will be more accessible to the public and the viewership rates will increase. This will increase the advertising dollars earned from women’s games and help to expand their programming. With more viewers supporting women’s teams the teams and athletes will make more money minimizing the wage gap that exists between female and male athletes. With more reporting of the game and increased exposure before the match begins, we can maximize the awareness of the game and ensure viewership is high. As the popularity of female athletes and female professional sports teams increases, we will begin to see equity in all aspects of the sports world when it comes to men’s and women’s sports.

So, the next time you see a women’s professional sports game on TV, WATCH IT.

To watch game highlights visit UEFA’s website.

To watch the Men’s Champions League Final on May 29, tune in to CBS or TUDN live, or watch the live stream on Paramount+. All area available with fuboTV’s 7 day free trial.