In yet another sign of the increasing popularity of women’s sports, elite competitions around the world are projected to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time next year.
A new report from Deloitte predicts that top women’s leagues will generate global revenues of $1.28 billion in 2024.
- Commercial revenue (sponsorships, merchandising): $696 million
- Media rights: $340 million
- Matchday (tickets, concessions): $240 million
This is the first time that annual global revenues for women’s sports will have surpassed $1 billion. This total is at least 300% higher than Deloitte’s previous valuation three years ago.
Soccer and basketball are expected to bring in a respective 43% and 28% of the revenue — collectively representing more than two-thirds of the total. North America is forecast to be the largest geographical market with over half of the revenue generation.
Deals Getting Bigger
Next year, the NWSL will begin a new $60 million annual media rights deal with Amazon, CBS Sports, ESPN, and Scripps Sports. The WNBA will reportedly bring in at least $40 million from its media deals with ESPN and Scripps next season.
In the U.K., the Women’s Super League is embarking on a quest to become a billion-dollar league after bringing in more than $40 million in revenue in 2022.
