Report: 2025 Women's Sports Revenue Projected to Hit $2.35 Billion

Overview

• Women's sports revenue is projected to reach $2.35 billion in 2025, marking a 25% increase from $1.88 billion in 2024.
• Growth attributed to increased popularity and investment in women's sports.
• Deloitte report highlights basketball as a significant growth driver, surpassing soccer as the top-earning sport.

Key Drivers of Growth

• Basketball:

  • Projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue in 2025.
  • Growth driven by star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, boosting ticket and merchandise sales.
  • Investment in facilities such as Indiana Fever's new $78 million practice facility and Golden State Valkyries’ renovated facility.

• Expansion and New Franchises:

  • WNBA plans to expand from 12 to 16 teams by 2028.
  • New franchises anticipated in San Francisco, Portland, Toronto, with potential in Detroit, Cleveland, and Nashville.

Economic Impact

• Commercial Revenue Growth:

  • Expected to see the greatest gains in 2025.
  • Brands previously uninvolved in sports are engaging with women's sports for its unique audience.

• Player Salaries and CBA Negotiations:

  • Ongoing discrepancies in player salaries; average global salary for women soccer players is $10,900.
  • WNBA salaries remain a concern; the players' association has opted out of the current CBA.

Industry Insights

• Market Maturation:

  • Women's sports seen as undervalued but poised for significant growth.
  • Deloitte suggests women's teams' value will increase faster than men's.

• Challenges:

  • Salary negotiations and resource access remain critical issues.
  • Ensuring equitable investment in women's sports is essential for sustained growth.

Conclusion

• The projected growth in women's sports revenue indicates a positive trend for the future of women's athletics.
• Continued investment and strategic marketing are essential to capitalize on this momentum.