In a significant development for the sports and media landscape, TOGETHXR and Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) have unveiled IX to Five, a novel joint venture poised to redefine the commercial and cultural footprint of women’s sports. This collaboration is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, authentic women's sports content, focusing on strategic content creation, innovative intellectual properties, immersive live events, and valuable brand alliances. The initiative represents a concerted effort to build essential infrastructure, ensuring that the current surge of interest in women's sports translates into enduring career opportunities, cultural influence, and robust commercial success for all stakeholders.
Pioneering the Future of Women's Sports Content: The Launch of IX to Five
On February 25, 2026, a significant new entity, IX to Five, officially commenced operations. This groundbreaking joint venture is the brainchild of renowned global sports marketing agency Horizon Sports & Experiences, led by David Levy and Chris Weil, and the celebrated women's sports media company TOGETHXR. The partnership is explicitly engineered to 'supercharge the business of women's sports' by addressing a clear and escalating need for compelling and genuine content in the sector. IX to Five’s mission encompasses the development and commercialization of women’s sports content, delivered through exceptional storytelling, the cultivation of unique intellectual properties, the organization of signature live experiences, and the forging of high-impact brand partnerships.
The initial programming slate for IX to Five features a dynamic lineup of talent, including StudBudz, professional basketball players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, and Lily Shimbashi, the founder of Sportsish, known for her insightful commentary on sports and pop culture. Further content announcements are anticipated later in the year, promising a rich and diverse offering. This venture marks the second collaborative effort between TOGETHXR and HS&E, following their successful partnership in December at the Women’s Champions Classic. During this annual early-season basketball showcase, co-produced by HS&E at the Barclays Center and featuring top-ranked university teams, TOGETHXR engaged in extensive content creation, including podcast recordings.
David Levy, co-CEO and founder of Horizon Sports & Experiences, emphasized the significant growth potential and return on investment in women's sports. He expressed enthusiasm for the alliance with TOGETHXR, recognizing them as a leader in women's sports media, and highlighted the joint venture's commitment to deepening engagement and expanding commercial opportunities within the category. Levy stated, "IX to Five was born out of the industry’s need for infrastructure and a year-round strategy to turn unprecedented momentum into sustained media and commercial impact." He further articulated the goal of creating a scalable platform that complements HS&E’s premium programming, enabling brands to invest more meaningfully and authentically, and providing fans with enhanced opportunities to connect with the athletes and content that are actively shaping culture.
Nancy Dubuc, Executive Chair of TOGETHXR, echoed Levy's sentiments, underscoring the critical need for infrastructure in women's sports. She asserted, "Women’s sports doesn’t need more moments — it needs infrastructure that turns momentum into careers, culture, and commerce." Dubuc noted that TOGETHXR has been instrumental in shifting the focus from 'after-hours' attention to continuous, 'always-on' storytelling. She concluded that the partnership with David Levy and Horizon Sports & Experiences will accelerate this transformation, establishing a robust platform where athletes, creators, and brands can collectively thrive throughout the year.
The launch of IX to Five heralds a transformative period for women's sports, promising to elevate its visibility, commercial viability, and cultural impact. By consolidating resources and expertise from two leading entities in sports media and marketing, the venture is poised to unlock new opportunities and set new standards for engagement and growth in the women's sports ecosystem.
The emergence of IX to Five represents a pivotal moment, signaling a deepening commitment to fostering the growth and recognition of women's sports. This collaboration highlights a broader industry trend towards recognizing the immense, yet often untapped, potential within female athletic endeavors. It challenges traditional media paradigms by investing in dedicated infrastructure, acknowledging that sustained success requires more than fleeting moments of attention. For athletes, this venture promises increased visibility, professional opportunities, and a more robust platform for their voices. For fans, it means access to a richer, more diverse array of content and experiences. Ultimately, IX to Five underscores the powerful synergy between innovative media strategies and the inspiring narratives of women in sports, paving the way for a more equitable and dynamic future.