Rapid Growth in Participation
Since 1971, high school sports participation for girls in the U.S. has surged from 294,000 to 3.4 million by 2019.
Closing Pay Gaps
FIFA plans to equalize prize money for men's and women's World Cups by 2026 and 2027, signaling growing financial recognition.
Increasing Media Coverage
Despite historical underrepresentation, certain events like the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019 broke viewership records with 1.12 billion viewers, indicating a rising interest in women's sports.
Leadership Opportunities
The growing presence of women in sports leadership roles, though still underrepresented, offers new perspectives and innovation in the industry.
Sponsorship Value
Significant investments, like Barclays' £10 million deal with the Women's Super League, showcase the increasing commercial value and marketability of women's sports.
Surging Viewership
The WNBA saw a 51% increase in viewership for the 2021 season, demonstrating the expanding audience base and engagement with women's sports.
Olympic Equality
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics featured nearly 49% female athletes, the highest in history, highlighting the growing global stage and visibility for women in sports.