New Deloitte data indicates revenue from top women’s leagues will cross the billion-dollar threshold
The GIST: This year was a banner one for women’s sports thanks to increased investment, access, and sponsorship, but 2024 should be even bigger and better. New Deloitte data indicates revenue from top women’s leagues will cross the billion-dollar threshold for the first time next year, proving that investing in women athletes is the New Year’s resolution.
$1.28B: The projected global revenue of the world’s top women’s sports properties in 2024, at least 300% higher than Deloitte’s previous valuation of the women’s game in 2021. Commercial revenue — a major growth driver — comprises 55% of the pie at $696M, followed by $340M (27%) in broadcast revenue, and $240M (18%) in game day revenue.
$555M: Women’s soccer’s expected haul next year, aligning with the increased popularity of the USWNT and the NWSL’s growth. This year saw historic FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) highs, record NWSL viewership and attendance, the first-ever NWSL valuations, and a landmark $240M media rights deal. Sky’s the limit.
$354M: Women’s basketball projected revenue in 2024. Next April, the WNBA will celebrate its 28th birthday after a season of record viewership and attendance thanks to expanded media rights deals, which will be renegotiated in 2025. Confidence is key.
$425M: The expected revenue from global women’s tournaments like the LPGA Tour and WTA Tour, which contribute 33% to the revenue total. This illustrates why nations should focus on advancing women’s sports participation — India, for example, is seeing the effects in cricket specifically thanks to its Women’s Premier League.
$100M: Several team valuations in women’s leagues are expected to cross this threshold in 2024. The WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the NWSL’s Angel City FC have already surpassed this mark, but in 2024, the San Diego Wave and Chicago Sky could easily join the $100M club. Let’s take them high.
The why: After decades of learning how to build the right infrastructure, women’s leagues are not just sustainable, but highly profitable. Investors are capitalizing on women’s sports fandom and seeing high ROI from exceptionally devoted consumers, leading to bigger sponsorships and more engagement. Herstorical figures.
