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Kayla Whitesel

The Unstoppable Rise of Women's Sports: A year of growth and a future of fandom

In the past year, women’s sports have surged in both popularity and visibility, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of sports culture globally. From record-breaking viewership to record-breaking sponsorship deals, the momentum behind women’s sports is undeniable.

 

This growth is not a fleeting trend. It’s a powerful movement fueled by passion, dedication, and a (long overdue) shift in societal attitudes. Here’s a look at how women’s sports have grown over the past year and why this momentum is set to continue in the future.


 
Andy Murray tennis player, Serena Williams tennis player
Andy Murray (L), Serena Williams (R) (Source: Getty)

"Sam is the first US player to reach a major semifinal since 2009..." "Male player." The Independent


 

Unprecedented Growth

The past year has seen women’s sports reach new heights, with milestones that have solidified their place in the mainstream sports landscape.

 

  1. Record-breaking viewership Major tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the WNBA draft, and the Women’s Super League have drawn unprecedented audiences. For example, the WNBA draft had 2.45 million viewers throughout the broadcast, and a peak viewership of 3.09 million, according to ESPN, shattering previous years including the previous all-time high of just over half a million.

  2. Sponsorship and investment Corporate giants are finally recognizing the value of investing in women’s sports. Major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Visa have signed sponsorship deals with women athletes and leagues, acknowledging their growing influence and marketability. Caitlin Clark Endorsements: Inside the WNBA Star’s deals with Nike, Gatorade, Wilson, and more – Athlon Sports  This type of financial backing has not only provided much needed resources, but also validated the commercial potential of women’s sports.

  3. Rising media coverage The media landscape has also shifted, with increased coverage of women’s sports across platforms. Networks have begun to broadcast more games, and digital media outlets have expanded their reporting on female athletes. This increased visibility has helped bring women’s sports to the forefront, making them more accessible to a wider audience. A ’Seismic Shift’ for Women’s Sports: WNBA lands $2.2 Billion Rights Deal – Front Office Sports 


We're Not Slowing Down

As we look into the future, several key factors suggest that fandom for women’s sports will continue to expand.


  1. Social media and digital engagement Social media has played a crucial role in the rise of women’s sports, allowing athletes to connect directly with fans and share their stories. Rugby player Maher promotes body positivity through social media – TSN This direct interaction helps foster a loyal fan base that feels personally connected to the athletes they follow.

  2. Grassroots development and accessibility The expansion of grassroots programs for girls in sports has been instrumental in nurturing talent and growing the fan base. As more young girls participate in sports, the pipeline of talent continues to grow, ensuring that the quality of women’s sports remains high.   At Across the Pond Sports Network, we’re focused on covering women’s sports and ensuring that women make up 50% or more of our podcast hosts. Other amazing organizations that support women in sports include: EmpowHERed - https://www.myempowhered.com/ The Gist - https://www.thegistsports.com/ Just Women’s Sports - https://justwomenssports.com/

  3. Institutional support and policy changes Institutions and governing bodies are increasingly committed to promoting gender equity in sports, but it’s not enough. Policies aimed at ensuring equal pay, better facilities, and more opportunities need to be implemented worldwide. This type of institutional support will help create a more sustainable and equitable environment for women’s sports to thrive. Paris 2024 Olympics: A new era for women in sport – UN Women 


The Takeaway

The growth of women’s sports over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. With record-breaking viewership, expanding sponsorship, and increased media coverage, women’s sports are capturing the attention of a global audience. Looking ahead, the future of women’s sports is bright, with continued growth in fandom by inspiring role models, cultural shift, digital engagement, and grassroots development. It cannot be understated how important it is for institutional support and policy changes to keep up, in North America, Europe, and around the world. 

 

As more people recognize the value and excitement of women’s sports, the movement will only gain strength. At Across the Pond Sports Network, we aim to bring you the news, highlights, and storylines from women’s sports including the WSL, NWSL, WNBA, and more. Find our current list of podcasts here: https://www.atpsports.net/podcasts

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