Deloitte Report | Women’s Sports Revenues to Soar Beyond $2.35 Billion by 2025, Driven by Football and Basketball

Deloitte Report | It’s official—women’s elite sports are no longer just an afterthought. According to a recent Deloitte report, global revenues in elite women’s sports are projected to surpass a staggering $2.35 billion (£1.8 billion) by 2025. That’s a jaw-dropping 240% increase over just four years! If sports business was a race, women’s leagues would be sprinting ahead while skeptics are still tying their shoelaces.
This explosive growth is largely fueled by brands and advertisers who are finally waking up to the undeniable commercial appeal of women’s sports. With more eyes on the games, businesses are seeing dollar signs, and investors are realizing they’ve been sitting on a goldmine all along.

Deloitte report | Where the Revenue is Coming From

The bulk of this financial boom will come from commercial income, which is expected to account for 54% of the total, approximately $1.26 billion. Sponsors and advertisers are increasingly putting their money where the action is, recognizing the immense value of elite women’s sports.
Broadcast revenues are also stepping up, projected to bring in 25% of total earnings at $590 million. With more networks and streaming platforms securing broadcasting rights, the visibility of women’s sports is expanding rapidly. Meanwhile, matchday revenues—ticket sales, merchandise, and stadium experiences—are expected to contribute 21% ($500 million), proving that fans are more than willing to show up and support their favorite teams.

Deloitte report | Basketball and Football Lead the Charge

Not all sports are cashing in equally, but basketball and football are undoubtedly the front-runners in this revenue race. Women’s basketball is predicted to generate a whopping 44% ($1.03 billion) of the total revenue, while football follows closely with 35% ($820 million). With leagues like the WNBA and Women’s Super League (WSL) drawing increased sponsorship and viewership, these sports are positioning themselves as serious business contenders.
The rise of these two sports isn’t just about finances—it’s about global appeal. More countries are investing in their national women’s teams, and talent pipelines are strengthening. If this trend continues, we might soon see women’s leagues rivaling their male counterparts in market influence.

Financial Hurdles | Not All That Glitters is Gold

Despite these positive trends, not everything is smooth sailing. A separate FIFA report highlighted ongoing financial struggles for many women’s football clubs. The grim reality? Operating expenses are still exceeding revenues for many organizations, making profitability a distant dream.
Another glaring issue is player salaries. The global average for women’s football players sits at a meager $10,900—hardly enough to make ends meet, let alone build a thriving professional career. This disparity underscores the urgent need for better financial structures and equitable compensation models within the industry.

Breaking Barriers | The Need for More Women in Leadership

While women athletes are smashing records on the field, the leadership arena still has plenty of room for improvement. Deloitte Report’s findings reveal that only 22% of head coach positions in women’s sports are filled by women. The irony? Women’s sports are being largely controlled and managed by men, leading to potential gaps in understanding and prioritization of key growth strategies.
Having more women in managerial and executive roles isn’t just about representation—it’s about results. Studies have shown that diverse leadership leads to better decision-making and sustainable business models. It’s time for sports organizations to match their progressive narratives with real action by promoting women to key decision-making positions.

The Road Ahead | Strategic Investment is Key

Jennifer Haskel of the Deloitte Sports Business Group emphasizes that while the growth of women’s sports is promising, sustaining it will require strategic investments and long-term vision. The industry must focus on improving infrastructure, increasing marketing efforts, and ensuring financial stability for clubs and athletes.
The future of women’s sports is undeniably bright, but for it to truly flourish, stakeholders must stay committed to fostering growth at all levels. With the right investment, policies, and leadership in place, women’s elite sports won’t just grow—they’ll dominate. And frankly, it’s about time.