Global revenues in women’s elite sports will reach at least $3bn (£2.2bn) for the first time in 2026, according to new research by consultancy Deloitte.
This represents a 25% increase on the $2.4bn value generated in 2025.
Overall, revenues in women’s elite sports rose by 248% from 2022 to 2025. Based on current projections, this is expected to rise to 340% between 2022 and 2026.
The projections were calculated based on three main categories of revenue: matchday, broadcast, and commercial.
Commercial revenue, including sponsorships, partnerships, and merchandising sales, is expected to represent the largest share of revenues (45%) across women’s sports in 2026.
Deloitte’s projections also show that broadcast revenue is expected to make up 25% of women’s sport revenues ($765m) in 2026. Meanwhile, matchday revenues are predicted to make up 30% ($911m).
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 are expected to remain as the top revenue-generating women’s sports globally in 2026, with each expected to represent 35% of the total revenue.
North America ($1.64bn, 54% of total) and Europe ($434m, 14%) are expected to remain the largest revenue-generating markets for women’s sport, with the emergence of new leagues and increased professionalisation.
The research also pointed out that major events across multiple sports in 2025 set the stage 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, 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. We saw the power of this in 2025 at the Rugby and Cricket World Cups, 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.
12.2 million watched England’s Women’s Euro final across all BBC platforms. Discover more here.
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