Kim Davis

In the multiverse of professional sports, few arenas have been as traditionally homogenous as hockey. With Black viewers comprising only about 4% of the NHL’s audience, the sport has long been perceived as a predominantly white space. But that narrative is changing, thanks partly to trailblazers like Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs for the NHL. 

A leader in promoting inclusivity, Davis is among the fewer than 5% of Black women in executive roles across major U.S. professional sports leagues. Her efforts are transforming the NHL’s approach to diversifying its fan base, engaging younger audiences, and making hockey a sport where everyone feels welcome. 

For many Black athletes and fans, hockey has often felt like a space where they were sidelined or unseen. From the microaggressions faced by Black players on the ice to the lack of representation in the stands, the sport’s reputation as a predominantly white domain has persisted for decades. Davis, however, sees this as a challenge worth tackling. Her vision for the NHL goes beyond simply addressing diversity metrics; she is focused on creating a culture of genuine inclusivity and equity within the league and the sport. Under her guidance, the NHL has launched initiatives aimed at broadening the reach of hockey and sparking interest among younger generations and communities of color who may not have seen themselves reflected in the sport before.
With youth engagement and representation as top priorities, Davis is leading the charge to reimagine what hockey fandom looks like in the 21st century. Through community programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to social impact, she is helping reshape the NHL’s future. In a conversation with TheJembe, we dive into Davis’ journey, the challenges of bringing change to a traditionally white-dominated sport, her strategies for growing the game, and an unexpected talent that might surprise you.