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Global revenues in women’s elite sports will reach at least US$3 billion for the first time in 2026, according to a new report from Deloitte.
Key details:
- Revenues set to rise 25 per cent on the US$2.4 billion generated in 2025
- Women’s elite sports revenues have risen by 248 per cent from 2022 to 2025
- Revenues currently projected to increase by 340 per cent between 2022 and 2026
- Soccer and basketball expected to remain as the top revenue-generating women’s sports globally this year, with each expected to represent 35 per cent of total revenue
- North America (US$1.64 billion, 54 per cent of total) and Europe (US$434 million, 14 per cent) are set to remain the largest revenue generating markets
Context:
Figures and projections in the Deloitte Women’s Sport Report 2026 were based on three main revenue streams: matchday, broadcast and commercial.
Commercial revenue, including sponsorships, partnerships and merchandising sales, is expected to account for the largest share of women’s sports revenue in 2026 at 45 per cent. While this is broadly in line with 2025 (46 per cent), the category has grown in absolute terms by more than US$250 million, driven by increased brand recognition, new partnerships and improved deals with existing partners.
Broadcast revenue is projected to make up 25 per cent (US$765 million), up from 23 per cent in 2025. Matchday revenue, meanwhile, is expected to account for 30 per cent (US$911 million), down slightly from 31 per cent, but still reflecting an increase of more than US$163 million in absolute terms.
Comment:
“The global women’s sports market is undergoing a profound transformation, attracting new audiences and creating a powerful, unique identity,” said Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insights lead in the Deloitte Sports Business Group. “Surpassing the three-billion-dollar mark in 2026 would be a phenomenal achievement and would cement women’s sport firmly in the spotlight.
“However, 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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