Women’s sports are turning into a major moneymaker.
Hot on the heels of the Winter Olympic Games in February, global revenues in women’s elite sports are projected to reach at least $3 billion in 2026, a 25% increase compared to last year, according to Reuters, citing a new report from Deloitte.
The industry has grown rapidly and women’s elite leagues have expanded their viewership in recent years, which is translating into returns — basketball and soccer, for instance, raked in about $2.4 billion worldwide in 2025, according to the report.
Women’s sports have seen a 248% increase between 2022 and 2025, and that figure is expected to grow to 340% this year thanks to broadcast and matchday revenues.
The lion’s share of the growth comes from North America, with $1.64 billion in revenue, and Europe, with $434 million. They are “expected to remain the largest revenue-generating markets for women’s sport,” the report states.
Hitting the $3 billion mark “would be a phenomenal achievement and would cement women’s sport firmly in the spotlight,” said Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insight lead in the Deloitte Sports Business Group.
The next Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil in 2027 — another big year for women’s sports, Deloitte predicts. It will be the first time the women’s tournament has been held in South America, according to The Independent.
