Deloitte projects women’s elite sports revenues will surpass $2.35 billion globally in 2025, up from $1.88 billion in 2024 and $981 million in 2023. The same report says women’s basketball is on track to top $1 billion in 2025, overtaking soccer as the top revenue driver.
The point is not a single big year. It’s the velocity. When a market jumps from under $1 billion to over $2 billion in two years, it stops being a “nice story” and becomes a real commercial category.
As Deloitte’s Peter Giorgio told ESPN, the growth signals a structural shift rather than a one‑off spike.
The Numbers: Where the Money Actually Comes From
Deloitte breaks the 2025 projection into three buckets: commercial, broadcast, and matchday.
Commercial: $1.26B (54%)
Commercial revenue remains the largest share, driven by sponsorships, partnerships, and merchandising. Deloitte expects this category to keep expanding as brands commit long‑term and new categories enter the market.
Broadcast: $590M (25%)
Broadcast revenue is the second‑largest share. The WNBA’s record viewership on ESPN in 2025 underscores why media value is rising, even if rights deals still lag men’s leagues.
Matchday: $500M (21%)
Matchday is no longer an afterthought. The NWSL’s 2025 championship and postseason records show sustained ticket demand and higher‑value event windows.
What’s Driving the Surge
The biggest driver is momentum across flagship leagues. ESPN reports record WNBA viewership in 2025. The NWSL’s official 2025 postseason release cites record championship viewership, total audience, and attendance.
Investment is tracking the same curve. Fortune reports an NWSL expansion fee at $110 million, a signal that ownership groups see long‑term value, not just near‑term headlines.
The Media and Viewer Shift
The modern growth story is built on accessibility. WNBA distribution across ESPN platforms and the NWSL’s national broadcast windows make women’s sports easier to find and easier to follow. That shift matters more than a single game or a single star.
What’s Next: Revenue Sharing, Infrastructure, Talent Pipeline
Growth exposes gaps. A FIFA‑reported average women’s soccer salary of $10,900 shows how far compensation still trails revenue trends. The next phase will likely focus on revenue sharing, league infrastructure, and talent development that can sustain the commercial rise.
This is also where credibility is built. If leagues convert record attention into stable economics, the $2.35B number becomes a floor, not a ceiling.
Takeaway: Where to Watch and Why It Matters
The headline numbers are real. The more important signal is the shift in how brands, broadcasters, and ownership groups are treating women’s sports. The market is no longer experimental. It’s investable.
For fans, the message is simple: the games are easier to find, the stakes are higher, and the next five years will define which leagues turn momentum into permanent scale.
