Thursday, March 12, 2026

Women’s Soccer Continues Growth Post-World Cup

  • Man City Women, Angel City FC deals reflect further ascendency for the sport
  • Expansion wave extends around the world
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Already one of the fastest-growing domestic and international sports, particularly after the 2023 Women’s World Cup, women’s soccer continues to see historic levels of business expansion reflecting surging fan interest.

Manchester City Women has become the first Women’s Super League club to complete a facility naming rights agreement, signing a pact with baby gear brand Joie to rename the 7,000-capacity Academy Stadium, the WSL’s only purpose-built venue.

In the U.S., Angel City FC — already one of the NWSL’s most prominent franchises with its star-studded ownership group of sports and entertainment icons — is reportedly raising additional capital to fund further growth opportunities. 

In just its second season of play, the club is already among the leaders in NWSL attendance, which has risen to historic levels. Angel City’s initiative follows the recent record-setting sale of the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars.

The latest efforts mirror a wave of growth seen in women’s basketball, tennis, and ice hockey.

TV Tune-In

Fueled significantly by the successful WWC, the Women’s Sport Trust also found that women’s soccer has become the fourth-most popular sport on TV in the U.K., trailing only men’s soccer, tennis, and cricket.

“The visibility of women’s sport continues to grow at a phenomenal rate, due in main part to the unbelievable progress of our female athletes on the global stage,” said Tammy Parlour, Women’s Sport Trust CEO. 

Also in the U.K, that country’s government also just revealed plans to invest further in women’s sports through a newly created investment accelerator.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Foxborough World Cup Games Are On, Kraft To Pay Bill

Town officials wanted security funding paid upfront to give FIFA its license.
Nov 29, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Iran fans before a group stage match against the United States of America during the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium.

Iranian Sports Minister Rules Out World Cup Participation

FIFA and the U.S. welcomed the team to participate despite attacks.
May 6, 2025; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; New York Red Bulls fans celebrate after the match against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field.

USL’s Labor Negotiations Stretch Into Regular Season

Players protested during the first minute of matches on opening weekend.

MLS Wants Yellow Card Betting Outlawed As it Bans Two Players

MLS said Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah bet on their own games.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”

Steve Tisch Passing Giants Stake to Children but Will Still Chair Board

Emails showed a close relationship between Epstein and Tisch.
Inter Bogota
March 6, 2026

Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac Try to Copy Wrexham Success in Colombia

“The Wrexham story is an inspiration.”
exclusive
March 10, 2026

Steve Cohen Denies Knowing Epstein Despite Photo in Files

“Steve doesn’t recall ever even meeting Epstein,” a spokesperson tells FOS.
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
March 2, 2026

Another Young Pirates Phenom, Another High-Stakes Decision

The Pittsburgh teenage phenom is turning heads despite his young age.
Feb 22, 2026; Hampton, Georgia, USA; Michael Jordan at EchoPark Speedway.
March 2, 2026

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Presence Increasing Amid 23XI Streak

23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has won the first three races of the season.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Sep 28, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13), left, and Jackson Merrill (3) celebrate after scoring during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park.
February 27, 2026

Drew Brees, Joe Lacob Among Interested Padres Suitors

A record-setting deal could be in place by Opening Day.