Bristol, England – January 05: Ilona Maher of Bristol Bears interacts with teammate Sarah Bern after … [+]
The meteoric growth of women’s sports offers brands and investors the opportunity to reach a new audience, enter new income flows and provide high returns. It is also benefiting from society and the planet. Women’s sports fans have a first mentality of values, and prioritize brands that demonstrate integrity and social responsibility. Female athletes use their platforms to protect important causes, and while their platforms grow, as well as the achievement of messages.
The rapid rise of women’s sports
Past years have seen women’s sports grow with a “meteoric rhythm”. FIFA reported 3.2 billion views of their social and digital content for 2023 the World Women’s Cup, and the Open Women’s final of 2023 US Open exceeded the men’s final. In 2024, the Olympic Games in Paris had an equal number of male and female athletes competing for the first time. The sport of women in the UK reached its most watched year, with 44.7 million viewers accorded in internal matches.
Liverpool, England – January 18: Hayley Ladd i Everton looks during super women Barclays … [+]
“As an elderly player, it is extraordinary to prove the first hand of exponential growth of resources and interest in women’s game,” Divided Hayley Ladd, footballer for Everton FC and Wales International. “Any year brings tangible progress – whether it has increased club budgets and competitions, higher price money, or more professional environments.” Growth is not only in number, but it is also in “how we are treated as players, with improved facilities, improved support staff and real investments in our development,” Ladd noted.
2024 was a big year for women’s basketball. NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship peaked in 24 million viewers, becoming the most watched game in college basketball of the last five years. The regular WNBA season attracted over 54 million unique viewers, a 170% increase from last season, and the league was quoted as faster brands in professional sports.
Speaking about this with the WNBA Cathy Engelbert commissioner, she told me, “WNBA is stronger than ever in our opportunity to maintain the values of girls and women around the world as part of our vital role in the wider sports ecosystem.” It continued, “WNBA players are inspiring and empowering women’s next generation to break obstacles and reach new heights, and as a league we seek to move the movement forward by accelerating actions inside and outside the court.”
New York, New York – April 15: WNBA CATHY Engelbert commissioner speaks during DRAFT 2024 WNBA … [+]
What does it mean to increase women’s sports for investors and brands
Sponsorship of sports women is growing 50% faster than the main men’s leagues, and is exceeding the return of investment expectations. 86% of sponsors in a recent study said that their investment in women’s sports met or exceeded expectations, with a third reporting their activations better than the expected results.
S&P Global say that “the height of women’s sports is providing investment with relatively low entry level estimates and high growth potential.” In Australia, every $ 1 invested by a corporate sponsor for women’s elite sports visibility leads to a $ 7 value of the client for the organization.
Lincoln, Nebraska – August 30: Cheerleaders carry signs to mark participation for match … [+]
Buying and engaging fans is the cornerstone of professional sport, and the sport of women is attracting people who are young for casual sport. They include “younger fans, women, who are great news for the industry as it shows that we have started attracting a special fan,” commented Tammy Parlor, CEO and Women’s Sport Trust co -founder.
“One of the prominent changes in women’s play is the strong sense of community and purpose. He feels more accessible and inclusive, with a genuine connection with fans who creates a special atmosphere both in the country and abroad. “Says Ladd.
Why is the growth of women’s sports is good for people and planet
“The game of women has a unique opportunity to carve their way, setting new standards not only in football, but in promoting positive values such as equality, diversity and sustainability,” says Ladd. “I am passionate about the sustainability of the environment in football, and I have tried to use my platform to highlight this issue.”
It is not alone. Female athletes are increasingly using their platforms to talk about important issues. 100 professional female football players signed an open letter asking FIFA to terminate its sponsorship agreement with the Saudi Arabian oil giant in October 2024. They shared their disapproval of a corporation that “holds a bright responsibility for the climate crisis, owned by the LGBTQ state.
Innes Fitzgerald, a British runner named “Greta Thunberg of Sport” made titles in 2023 for declining the opportunity to compete in world inter-local championships, citing environmental concerns about flight to Australia. She has flown since year, but says, “I will continue to talk about environmental issues in the future, because it is really important, and I strongly believe that we as athletes have a responsibility.”
Antalya, Turkey – December 08: Innes Fitzgerald of the big British team crosses the line to win … [+]
Amy James-Turner, player for Tottenham Hotspur, believes that “Women’s football can be the leaders of change in taking climate action.” She raised awareness of this in 2024 by issuing a report that revealed a majority of 113 players out of 36 clubs were very concerned about climate change.
WNBA basketball player for Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier has recently become an ambassador for Ocean Health. “I want my daughter – and everyone’s kids – be able to enjoy the same sports that have brought me so much joy and success,” split Collier.
Gaining Sports drive for women and stable impact
Great future tournaments, such as the Rugby World World World Cup of Women 2025 and UEFA Women’s UEFA EUROS 2025 are quoting record ticket demand. These Marque events highlight the momentum of women’s sports and have settled to attract the biggest audience than ever and increasing trade opportunities.
The rapid growth of women’s sports is a strong business opportunity, but it is also a cultural and social movement that reformulates the global sports industry. While female athletes continue to use their platforms to defend sustainability, equality and social justice, their influence extends beyond the playing field.
With a record view, expanding sponsorship investments and a values -driven fanbase, women’s sports are the opportunity for brands to be approximated with goal -driven commitment. Investors and sponsors who know this not only provide financial returns but also contribute to a more comprehensive and responsive sport ecosystem.