New York, March 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: The global market for women’s elite sports is projected to reach an unprecedented $2.35 billion in revenue this year, according to a report released by consulting firm Deloitte. This figure more than triples the market size of 2022 and marks 2024 as a landmark year for women’s sports, exceeding initial forecasts and setting new industry standards.
Deloitte’s updated projections cover revenues from matchdays, broadcasting rights, and commercial deals, highlighting the rapid growth and increasing commercial viability of women’s sports. The report notes several significant milestones achieved over the past year, including the overwhelming social media engagement generated by women Olympians at the Paris Games, the WNBA’s new broadcast deal amid record-breaking viewership, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) securing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and AC Milan’s historic decision to guarantee automatic contract renewals for players who become pregnant in the final year of their contracts.
Revenue Disparities Persist Despite Growth
Despite the record-breaking revenue projections, disparities within women’s sports remain. Basketball and soccer continue to lead as the highest revenue-generating sports, accounting for 44% and 35% of total revenues, respectively. Geographically, North America (59%) and Europe (18%) remain the dominant markets for women’s sports.
However, financial gaps within women’s soccer remain stark. FIFA’s recently released Women’s Football Benchmarking Report found that while the average annual salary for a female soccer player stands at $10,900, this figure is skewed by a small number of high-paying clubs. Only 16 global clubs pay an average salary exceeding $50,000, meaning many players earn significantly less than the reported average. Additionally, clubs that pay more than $5,000 annually are more likely to provide essential non-financial benefits such as health insurance and housing allowances.
Further disparities exist between leagues, with FIFA-defined Tier 2 and 3 leagues—classified as “aspiring” and “emerging” markets—offering fewer long-term contracts and professional benefits, making financial stability a challenge for many athletes. Notably, FIFA’s report also established a direct link between higher salaries and better performances on the field.
Future Investment and Industry Evolution
Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insights lead at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, emphasized the importance of continued investment and innovation in the industry.
“Women’s sport is rewriting the playbook and challenging traditional norms to redefine the future of the industry. In 2025 and beyond, the challenge will be for the sports industry, brand partners, and investors to do things differently,” Haskel stated in the report.
She further stressed the need for strategic investment to drive professional development on a global scale. “It is crucial for women’s sport organizations to implement the right structures, develop a clear plan for investment, and define a long-term vision for their place within a rapidly evolving global industry.”
As the momentum behind women’s sports continues to build, industry leaders are now tasked with ensuring sustainable growth and equitable development across all markets. The historic revenue milestone of 2024 serves as a testament to the growing influence and commercial success of women’s sports, but also underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving financial and structural parity.
