Deloitte Forecasts Women's Elite Sports Revenues to Reach $2.35 Billion in 2025

• Deloitte forecasts worldwide revenues in women's top sports will be at least US$2.35 billion (£1.88 billion) in 2025
• 2024 revenues exceeded initial estimates of US$1.28 billion to reach US$1.88 billion
•  Deloitte estimated the women's elite sports market in 2022 at US$692 million

Deloitte forecasts that revenues from women's elite sports worldwide will be more than US$2.35 billion (£1.88 billion) by 2025, with high growth. This follows as revenues in 2024 have already surpassed early estimates of US$1.28 billion to reach US$1.88 billion. In four years, revenues from women's elite sports are forecast to grow by 240 percent, with the market worth US$692 million in 2022.

The revised numbers and estimates were drawn from three main categories of revenue: matchday, broadcast, and commercial. Commercial revenues, which comprise sponsorships, partnerships, merchandise sales, and pre-season tour revenue, reached more than US$1 billion in 2024 for the first time, representing 55 percent of overall revenues in women's sports.

Basketball (US$1.03 billion, 44 percent) and football (US$820 million, 35 percent) are the top women's revenue sports and will likely dominate in 2025. Basketball will be the top women's revenue sport globally due to rising star players, which drive matchday attendance, merchandise, and facility investment. Whereas women's football revenues are expected to rise from US$740 million in 2024 to US$820 million in 2025, women's basketball revenues are expected to rise from US$710 million to US$1.03 billion.

Jennifer Haskel, Deloitte Sports Business Group Knowledge and Insights Lead, further said, "Women's sport continues to outstrip expectations in growth, with leagues, clubs, and athletes driving substantial returns on limited resources."

Looking to 2025, commercial revenue will continue to be the greatest source of revenue throughout women's sports, at US$1.26 billion (54 percent), thanks to higher brand awareness, interest, and higher-paying contracts. Deloitte's forecasts also show significant increases in broadcast revenues (US$590 million, 25 percent) and matchday revenues (US$500 million, 21 percent).

The emphasis is turning away from short-term data to long-term expansion, increased investment, and legacy programmes. Growth has to be balanced by industry leaders with solid foundations to deliver best opportunities for sustainable success." Jennifer went on, "Women's sport is transforming the business and pushing traditional norms. The secret for sports, brands, and investors in 2025 and beyond will be to market differently to maximize the current growth and establish a successful ecosystem for women's sport."

North America (US$1.39 billion, 59 percent) and Europe (US$420 million, 18 percent) will be projected to be the biggest revenue streams for women's sports. In the coming years, Deloitte is also projecting to have growth, investment, and professionalization in the new markets, as well as the matured markets

The document highlights that new investment models have the potential to unlock further opportunities and resources for women's elite sport, generating commercial growth. Major international competitions like the 2025 Rugby Women's World Cup in the UK and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil will generate significant revenues and attract new fans, increasing exposure and market for women's sport.

Jennifer stressed, "While big events are increasing visibility and attendance, it's essential that organizers make conscious efforts following these events to fuel domestic success. Organizing an event is not sufficient; organizers need to connect with fans and grow attendance long after the event. "Women's sport is more commercially attractive than ever, and strategic investment is needed to create a professional global environment. To achieve long-term success, women's sport organizations must get the right structures in place, have clear investment strategies, and determine their role in a fast-changing global business."