Why Businesses Should Invest in Women’s Sports in 2025 | Growth, Data & Insights

In 2025, the women’s sports industry has evolved into a billion-dollar powerhouse. Businesses that invest today stand to benefit from growing audiences, rising media value, and unmatched brand loyalty. Here’s why acting now is both a smart and strategic decision.

📈 Explosive Growth in Audience and Media Visibility

• Record-Breaking Viewership:
  • Over 46.7 million people watched women’s sports on UK TV in 2023, setting new records.
• NCAA Women’s Basketball Leading the Way:
  • The 2024 NCAA Women’s Championship drew 18.9 million viewers, outperforming the men’s final by 28%.
• Soaring WNBA Popularity:
  • The 2024 WNBA Draft broke viewership records with 2.45 million viewers and led to sold-out season tickets for multiple teams.

👉 Insight: Brands aligning now with women’s sports will capitalize on rapidly expanding media exposure.

💰 Financial Opportunity: Women’s Sports Set to Exceed $1 Billion

• Historic Revenue Milestone:
  • In 2024, elite women’s sports are projected to generate $1.28 billion globally — a 300% growth in just three years.
• Major Media Rights Deals:
  • NWSL secured a $60 million annual media deal, while the WNBA expects at least $40 million from broadcast partnerships.

👉 Insight: Early investment offers brands premium sponsorships at competitive rates before prices skyrocket.

📣 Advertising Effectiveness: Higher Engagement, Greater Returns

• Dramatic Surge in Ad Spending:
  • Advertiser spending on women’s sports doubled in 2024, reaching $244 million — a 139% increase year-over-year.
• Superior Consumer Engagement:
  • Ads during women’s sporting events see 40% higher engagement compared to average primetime TV ads.

👉 Insight: Brands can expect more engaged, loyal audiences for a lower cost per impression.

🌍 Global and Diverse Fanbase: New Market Access

• Gender and Age Balance:
  • 43% of women’s sports fans are men, and a majority are young, tech-savvy, and socially conscious.
• Impact on Brand Choice:
  • 71% of Women’s World Cup fans said brands that support women’s sports show a strong commitment to gender equality.

👉 Insight: Sponsorships in women’s sports offer businesses a chance to connect with socially aware consumers.

🏢 Leading Brands Are Already Investing

• Corporate Pledges and Partnerships:
  • AT&T, Cisco, Deloitte, and Capital One have taken the Athena Pledge to invest more in women’s sports.
• Innovative Collaborations:
  • Under Armour’s partnership with the Unrivaled women’s basketball league shows major brands betting big on the sector.

👉 Insight: Forward-thinking companies are securing early leadership positions in the women’s sports ecosystem.

✅A High-Growth, High-Impact Opportunity

Women’s sports in 2025 are a golden opportunity for businesses seeking growth, relevance, and positive brand positioning. With skyrocketing viewership, increasing ad returns, and passionate fanbases, companies that invest now will lead tomorrow.

Investing in women’s sports today isn’t just a marketing move — it’s a future-proof growth strategy.