WNBA Trailblazers Including Sheryl Swoopes and Skylar Diggins-Smith to Front ‘Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete’ Docuseries on Roku (EXCLUSIVE)

This fall, Roku‘s “Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete” will take viewers behind the scenes of the WNBA to explore how some of the greatest players balance the demands of the game with motherhood, Variety has learned.

In this intimate documentary, which is the newest installment in Roku Originals’ “Gamechangers” anthology series, WNBA stars Sheryl Swoopes, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Bria Hartley, Natalie Achonwa and Allison Feaster will give audiences an unprecedented look at the unique challenges of timing pregnancies around basketball season, maintaining contracts and returning to All-Star form after giving birth.

“I’ve spent my life competing at the highest level, but one of the most meaningful roles I’ve ever had is being a mother,” said Swoopes, Hall of Famer, Olympic Gold Medalist and WNBA Pioneer. “For a long time, that part of our stories wasn’t talked about. I’m proud to be part of a documentary that gives women the space to share those experiences honestly, and I hope people come away with a deeper appreciation for everything these athletes balance.”

“As a mother, I was drawn to how rarely we see this side of athletes’ lives portrayed with depth and nuance,” said Christine Turner, Director, “Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete.” “These women open up about personal moments most of us never see—the fear, the doubt and the expectations they face when taking on two demanding roles at once.  My hope is that viewers leave with a fuller picture of what it means to be a mother and a hooper and to be a working mom, period.”

“Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete” builds on Roku’s “Gamechangers” anthology series, which includes “Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story” and “Gamechangers: America’s Top 25 Female Athletes.”

“We’re thrilled to bring our viewers this powerful showcase of the WNBA and its pioneering support of these remarkable athletes, who have taken on one of life’s most transformative roles and continued to play at the highest level,” said Sean Boyle, Roku Originals. “Sharing these inspiring perspectives with our audience is part of our commitment to the untold stories of women’s sports, and we’re honored to celebrate these athletes who have redefined the game.”

“Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete” is overseen by Sean Boyle and Louisa L. Friedman on behalf of Roku. Academy Award-nominated director Christine Turner directs the project. “Gamechangers: Mother/Athlete” is produced by Terminal B TV, in association with Motion Entertainment, A WPP Media Company. Tom Forman, David Metzler, and Adam Neuhaus serve as executive producers. Sean Nugent is a co-executive producer, and Erin Leyden is a producer. Chet Fenster executive produces for Motion Entertainment, A WPP Media Company. 

“We’ve all seen athletes fight to win championships. What we haven’t seen nearly enough is what it takes to build a family while competing at that level,” said Tom Forman, CEO, Terminal B TV. “These women aren’t choosing between motherhood and greatness; rather, they’re redefining what greatness looks like, on and off the court.”