global women’s sports Revenue is expected to exceed $3 billion in 2026, significantly higher than the $2.4 billion in revenue in 2025, according to a report released Wednesday.
International women’s sports revenues have increased by 340% over the past four years, according to a report prepared by accounting firm Deloitte. This not only fosters investment in the women’s sports ecosystem, driving further growth, but also increasing expectations from fans, athletes, investors and business partners.
“Women’s sports are entering a new phase defined by scale, structure and sustained investment,” Alicia Hatch, chief commercial officer of U.S. sports and women’s sports leader at Deloitte, said in a statement. “Increasing valuations and expanding revenue streams are consistent with a maturing market where leagues, sponsors and media partners are building for long-term success.”
The report states: Game changer: Unlocking the potential of women’s sports” looks at three main revenue types: commercials, broadcast and matchday. Commercial revenue accounts for the largest share at 45%.
soccer and basketball These are expected to be the most revenue-generating in women’s sports, each accounting for 35% of overall revenue. New competitions such as Unrivaled Basketball and new leagues such as soccer’s Canadian Northern Super League are driving growth.
The majority of global revenue in 2025 will be generated by North America (53%), followed by Europe (16%), and that trend is expected to continue this year.
But Deloitte also cited the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which drew a record 82,000 fans for the final in London, and last year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup. Eight new women’s leagues have been launched in North America since 2020.
“Women’s sports are thriving, defined by truly transformative growth and rapidly expanding global fan bases,” said Deloitte US Chairman Lara Abrash. “With global revenues expected to exceed $3 billion this year, the conversation has moved beyond proving value to intentionally building a durable, world-class foundation for the future.”
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