The World of female sports is undergoing a fantastic transformation in 2024, marked by increased viewership, revenue growth, and a push for gender parity. In 2024, Olympic events have emerged as the most-watched women's sports in the United States, attracting 35% of viewers. This is closely followed by tennis and professional basketball, each garnering 22% of the audience. The visibility of women's sports was further highlighted by the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which featured full gender parity for the first time, showcasing equal participation of male and female athletes. Financially, women's elite sports are projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, representing a remarkable 300% increase compared to previous years. This surge is attributed to rising sponsorship deals, increased media coverage, and a broader acceptance of women's sports as viable entertainment options. The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has seen its most-viewed season since 2008, reflecting a trend of increasing audience engagement.
In recent years, women’s sports have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, garnering attention from fans, media, and sponsors alike. This rise can be attributed to various factors, including increased visibility through media coverage, the relentless pursuit of equality in sports, and the outstanding athletic performances by female athletes across different disciplines. However, within the broad spectrum of women’s sports, certain sports have emerged as particularly popular, drawing massive audiences both in-person and through various media platforms. This article delves into three pivotal questions that highlight the prominence of women’s sports globally: What is the most popular female sport in the world? What is the highest attended women's sport in the world? Which sports have the most female viewers? Through an in-depth analysis, we will explore the intricacies of each question, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of women’s sports.
What is the Most Popular Female Sport in the World?
When discussing the most popular female sport in the world, it is essential to consider various metrics such as participation rates, global reach, media coverage, and the sport's cultural significance. By these measures, soccer, known as football outside of North America, undeniably stands out as the most popular female sport globally.
Soccer's Global Dominance
Soccer’s global appeal is largely due to its simplicity and accessibility; it is a sport that can be played almost anywhere with minimal equipment, making it universally accessible to girls and women from all walks of life. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) estimates that over 30 million women and girls play soccer around the world, a number that continues to grow each year. This widespread participation is reflected in the sport’s popularity at both the grassroots and professional levels.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup serves as a prime example of soccer’s popularity among female athletes and fans. The tournament, which began in 1991, has grown exponentially in terms of viewership, attendance, and media coverage. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in France, shattered previous records, with a global audience of over 1.12 billion viewers. The final match between the United States and the Netherlands attracted more than 260 million viewers, highlighting the sport’s massive appeal. This tournament also showcased the depth of talent and competition in women’s soccer, further solidifying its status as the most popular female sport in the world.
Impact of Major Leagues and Clubs
Beyond international tournaments, the popularity of women’s soccer is also driven by major leagues and clubs around the world. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, the FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) in England, and the Division 1 Féminine in France are among the top leagues that have contributed to the sport’s growing fanbase. These leagues have not only provided a platform for elite female athletes to showcase their skills but have also cultivated a dedicated following of fans who support their favorite teams and players.
Clubs like Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, FC Barcelona Femení, and Manchester City Women have become household names, drawing significant attention both domestically and internationally. The success of these clubs in domestic and European competitions, such as the UEFA Women’s Champions League, has further elevated the profile of women’s soccer, making it the most followed and celebrated female sport globally.
Cultural and Social Impact
The cultural and social impact of women’s soccer cannot be understated. The sport has become a powerful symbol of gender equality and empowerment, with female soccer players often leading the charge for equal pay and better working conditions in sports. The U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) fight for equal pay has been a highly publicized battle that has resonated with fans and athletes across the globe. The success of this movement has inspired women in other sports to demand equal treatment, further solidifying soccer’s role as a leader in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Additionally, soccer’s popularity has transcended beyond the pitch, influencing fashion, music, and popular culture. Female soccer players like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Marta have become global icons, using their platforms to advocate for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and other important causes. Their influence extends beyond the sport, making them role models for millions of girls and women worldwide.
What is the Highest Attended Women's Sport in the World?
Attendance at women’s sporting events has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades, with certain sports drawing record-breaking crowds. Among these, tennis and soccer stand out as the sports with the highest attendance at women’s events, but soccer, once again, emerges as the frontrunner when considering the sheer magnitude of audience numbers at major tournaments.
Soccer: Breaking Attendance Records
Soccer, with its global appeal, has consistently set new benchmarks for attendance at women’s sporting events. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in France, saw over 1.1 million spectators attending matches across various venues, with an average attendance of approximately 21,756 per match. The final match, held at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, drew a crowd of 57,900 spectators, making it one of the highest-attended women’s sporting events in history. This overwhelming turnout not only reflects the growing popularity of women’s soccer but also highlights the increasing willingness of fans to support women’s sports by attending live events.
Domestic leagues have also seen impressive attendance figures, particularly in Europe. In March 2022, FC Barcelona Femení made headlines when they hosted Real Madrid Femenino at Camp Nou in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. The match drew a record-breaking crowd of 91,553 spectators, the largest ever for a women’s club football match. This historic event marked a significant moment for women’s soccer, demonstrating the sport’s capacity to draw large, passionate crowds on par with men’s matches.
Tennis: Grand Slams and Iconic Venues
Tennis is another sport that commands high attendance, especially during the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. These prestigious events attract not only dedicated tennis fans but also casual spectators who are drawn to the spectacle and tradition associated with these tournaments.
Wimbledon, in particular, stands out for its ability to draw large crowds for both men’s and women’s matches. The All England Club, with its capacity of 42,000, often sees sell-out crowds during the women’s singles final, where iconic players like Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Naomi Osaka have graced the court. The 2019 Wimbledon women’s final, which saw Simona Halep defeat Serena Williams, attracted a peak audience of 9.6 million viewers in the UK alone, with thousands more watching live at the venue. The U.S. Open is another major tournament that consistently draws large crowds, with the 2019 edition seeing a record 737,872 fans in attendance over the course of the tournament.
Tennis’ unique appeal lies in its individual nature, where fans come to witness the intense rivalries and personal narratives that unfold on the court. The sport’s rich history, combined with the charisma and skill of top female players, makes it a major draw for spectators, particularly at the Grand Slam events where attendance figures often reach record highs.
Basketball: A Growing Fanbase
Basketball, particularly in the United States, has seen significant growth in attendance at women’s games, especially in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The league, which was founded in 1996, has steadily built a loyal fanbase, with attendance figures climbing each year. The 2019 WNBA Finals between the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun saw a sold-out crowd of 9,164 fans at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., highlighting the league’s growing popularity.
College basketball also draws large crowds, particularly during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness. The 2022 tournament saw record attendance, with the championship game between the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut drawing 18,304 fans at the Target Center in Minneapolis. This event, coupled with the increasing visibility of women’s basketball on television and streaming platforms, has contributed to the sport’s rising profile in terms of attendance.
Which Sports Have the Most Female Viewers?
The viewership of women’s sports has seen a significant uptick in recent years, with certain sports attracting a predominantly female audience. Understanding which sports have the most female viewers requires an examination of both the type of sport and the cultural factors that influence women’s viewing habits.
Tennis: A Sport with Broad Female Appeal
Tennis is one of the few sports that boasts a nearly equal split between male and female viewers, making it one of the most popular sports among women globally. The sport’s combination of athleticism, elegance, and strategic gameplay appeals to a wide audience, including a large percentage of female viewers. Grand Slam tournaments, in particular, attract millions of female viewers worldwide, who tune in to watch their favorite players compete at the highest level.
The appeal of tennis to female viewers can be attributed to several factors, including the prominence of female athletes in the sport and the relatively equal media coverage given to men’s and women’s matches. Players like Serena Williams, who has transcended the sport to become a global icon, have played a significant role in drawing female viewers to tennis. Additionally, the sport’s tradition of offering equal prize money to men and women at the Grand Slam events has reinforced its appeal to female audiences, who see tennis as a sport that values gender equality.
Gymnastics: A Female-Centric Sport
Gymnastics is another sport that attracts a predominantly female audience, particularly during major international competitions like the Olympics. The sport’s emphasis on grace, strength, and artistry resonates with female viewers, who are often drawn to the personal stories and challenges faced by the gym
nasts. The Olympic Games, in particular, serve as a showcase for the world’s best female gymnasts, with athletes like Simone Biles, Nadia Comăneci, and Aly Raisman becoming household names.
The viewership demographics for gymnastics skew heavily female, particularly during the Olympics, where women’s gymnastics events often attract higher ratings than their male counterparts. The 2016 Rio Olympics, for example, saw the women’s gymnastics team final draw over 36 million viewers in the United States alone, with a significant portion of that audience being women. The sport’s ability to captivate and inspire female viewers, combined with the compelling narratives surrounding the athletes, makes it one of the most-watched sports among women.
Figure Skating: Elegance on Ice
Figure skating, much like gymnastics, has a strong appeal among female viewers, particularly during the Winter Olympics. The sport’s combination of technical skill, artistry, and emotional expression resonates with women, who make up a significant portion of the viewership. Iconic performances by skaters like Michelle Kwan, Yuna Kim, and Katarina Witt have left lasting impressions on audiences, contributing to the sport’s enduring popularity.
The viewership for figure skating is predominantly female, especially during major competitions like the World Championships and the Winter Olympics. The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics saw figure skating events draw millions of viewers worldwide, with women comprising the majority of the audience. The sport’s unique blend of athleticism and artistry, combined with the personal stories of the skaters, creates a compelling viewing experience that resonates deeply with female audiences.
Basketball: A Growing Female Viewership
Basketball, particularly the WNBA, has seen a growing female viewership in recent years. The league’s efforts to promote female empowerment, combined with the increasing visibility of its star players, have attracted a larger female audience. Players like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker have become role models for young girls and women, inspiring them to follow the sport.
The WNBA has also benefited from increased media coverage and accessibility, with more games being broadcast on major networks and streaming platforms. This increased visibility has helped to grow the league’s female fanbase, who are drawn to the sport’s fast-paced action and the compelling stories of its athletes. The 2020 WNBA Finals, for example, saw a 15% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, with a significant portion of the audience being female.
College basketball also enjoys a strong female following, particularly during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament’s high-stakes, single-elimination format, combined with the visibility of top female athletes, attracts a diverse audience, including a large percentage of women. The 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game drew a peak audience of 4.85 million viewers, with women making up a significant portion of the viewership.
The Landscape of Women's Sports
The popularity, attendance, and viewership of women’s sports have seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the increasing visibility of female athletes, the dedication of fans, and the efforts of organizations to promote gender equality in sports. Soccer stands out as the most popular female sport globally, with a massive following that spans continents and cultures. The sport’s ability to draw record-breaking crowds, both at the international and domestic levels, highlights its unparalleled appeal.
Tennis and basketball also play significant roles in the landscape of women’s sports, with each sport attracting large audiences and commanding high attendance at major events. Tennis, in particular, stands out for its broad appeal among female viewers, who are drawn to the sport’s combination of athleticism, elegance, and gender parity.
As women’s sports continue to grow, it is clear that the future holds even greater opportunities for female athletes and fans alike. The increasing investment in women’s sports, combined with the passion and dedication of its supporters, ensures that women’s sports will continue to thrive and inspire future generations of athletes and fans around the world. The evolution of women’s sports is not just a reflection of changing societal norms, but a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, regardless of gender, to celebrate human achievement, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
