Report predicts women’s sport revenues to hit $3bn in 2026, football to account for 35%
April 10 – Deloitte predicts that global revenues in women’s elite sports will reach at least US$3 billion (£2.2 billion) for the first time in 2026. This represents a 25% increase on the US$2.4 billion value generated in 2025.
Deloitte bases its numbers on matchday, broadcast, and commercial revenues. Commercial revenue – including sponsorships, partnerships and merchandising sales – is where Deloitte sees the largest share of revenues at 45% – a similar share to 2025 (46%).
But Deloitte points out the growth in absolute terms is more than $250 million as women’s sports, clubs and leagues grow brand recognition and interest. The growth is a mix of new partners and improved contracts with existing partners.
Revenues in women’s elite sports rose by 248% from 2022 to 2025, and is expected to rise to 340% between 2022 and 2026.
Broadcast revenue is predicted to make up 25% of ($765 million) in 2026, up from 23% in 2025.
Matchday revenues are predicted to make up 30% ($911 million), down in share from 31% in 2025, but an increase in absolute terms of more than $163 million.
Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insights lead in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “The global women’s sports market is undergoing a profound transformation, attracting new audiences and creating a powerful, unique identity. Surpassing the three-billion-dollar mark in 2026 would be a phenomenal achievement and would cement women’s sport firmly in the spotlight.”
Football and basketball will be the top revenue-generating women’s sports globally in 2026, each expected to represent 35% of the total revenue. Deloitte said the emergence of leagues as independent entities will drive revenue growth, alongside the restructuring of sports organisations “that include other assets, such as men’s teams, to set women’s teams up for success.”
Geographically North America ($1.64 billion, 54% of total) will lead the growth, significantly ahead and of Europe ($434 million, 14%).
Deloitte highlights the global reach and professionalizing of the women’s game “across an increasing number of international assets. “Substantial investment in burgeoning markets, such as the Middle East and Africa, is yielding impactful returns by developing infrastructure that fosters greater women and girls participation.”
Brazil’s hosting of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a first for South America, is predicted to generate significant growth opportunities in the region.
The report points to a trend in Europe that is seeing the carving out of leagues from national governing bodies to become independent entities. Deloitte points to the examples of WSL Football in England, now in its second year as an independent organization, and Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga which is currently in the process of a ‘soft divorce’ from the German Football Association (DFB). The league’s clubs will hold a 50% stake in the venture with the remaining shares controlled by the DFB. Many of Europe’s professional clubs are doing the same, rather than remaining subsidiaries of men’s structures.
This strategic shift is also mirrored at club level, where many soccer organizations are restructuring to position their women’s team alongside, rather than as a subsidiary of, its men’s team.
Major events in 2025 provided the platform for growth, drawing in record-breaking crowds, and creating game changing experiences for fans. Deloitte expects these events to drive further investment in select regions (the March completion of the AFC’s Women’s Asian Cup finals in Australia being a shining example), as well as spur fan growth for both domestic leagues, athlete followership, and future global events.
Haskel added: “Major sporting events are proving to be unparalleled catalysts for women’s sport globally… which not only showcased elite talent, but vividly illustrated how strategic investment, both on and off the field, can ignite a new generation of athletes and fans.
“The convergence of talent development, passionate fandom, and strategic investment is propelling the industry into an exciting era of growth. Clubs, leagues, and competitions are not just recognising their profound cultural impact, they are actively creating a new generation of fans, eager to elevate the game to new heights.”
However, she does give a word of caution: “It is important to recognise that it is still early days. Building a sustainable cultural and economic identity requires strategic investment, patience, and innovation. The industry’s enduring success will be built on diligently collecting data, analysing its impact, and making corrections driven by these learnings.”
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