Global Sport Economy
Women's sport passes three billion dollars
Deloitte expects women's elite sport to earn at least 3 billion dollars in 2026, up 25 % in a year. Where the money comes from, and why commercial partners lead it.
Deloitte expects global revenue from women's elite sport to reach at least 3 billion US dollars in 2026, for the first time, up 25 % on about 2.4 billion in 2025 (Deloitte, 8 April 2026).
Where the money comes from
Commercial income leads: about 1.4 billion dollars, 45 % of the total. Matchday follows at about 911 million (30 %) and broadcast at about 765 million (25 %), up from 551 million. Football and basketball each account for about 35 % of the total, and North America for about 54 %.
The audience is already there
The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 drew an aggregate attendance of 657,291, a record, against 574,875 three years earlier. In the United States, the WNBA's new national media agreements, reported at more than 2.2 billion dollars over eleven years, start with the 2026 season.
What it means for the business of sport
The fastest-growing line is the one brands control. A partner who joins now buys growth at an entry price, and helps write the commercial model rather than renting it later. That is why Day 4 of the Forum treats women's sport as an investment case, not a corporate social responsibility line.
Sources and further reading
- Deloitte UK, women's elite sport revenues 2026 (8 April 2026)
- Deloitte US, women's sports revenue report (8 April 2026)
- UEFA, Women's EURO 2025 records (27 July 2025)
- Next TV, WNBA national media deal (17 July 2024)
Photograph: Pexels, licensed. No person shown is connected with the Forum.
