the roi on investing in women’s sports
When athletic departments treat women’s sports as a business, they open new revenue streams.
For years, investing in women’s sports was framed as the right thing to do. Now it is simply the smart thing to do.
In 2023, women’s sports generated 2.35 billion dollars in global revenue, marking a 25 percent year-over-year increase, according to Deloitte. Projections show this number could double within the next five years as media rights, fan engagement, and sponsorship investments continue to grow.
And the momentum is showing up everywhere.
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four drew 8.5 million viewers, more than any NBA game last season. The NWSL secured a 240 million dollar broadcast deal, 40 times its previous agreement. Women’s college volleyball and softball are setting new attendance and viewership records. Athletes like Caitlin Clark, Naija Canady, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese are driving NIL valuations that rival top male athletes.
Brands Are Seeing Results
Nielsen research shows that fans of women’s sports are more likely to support brands that invest in the game, especially when the investment feels authentic. One in three fans say they would switch to a brand that supports women’s sports.
Even more important, women’s sports content often delivers higher engagement per dollar spent on social platforms compared to men’s sports. That is a business case that cannot be ignored.
The Opportunity in College Sports
While professional leagues often dominate the headlines, college athletics offer some of the most powerful and underdeveloped investment opportunities. Top-tier women’s programs are drawing record crowds and national attention, but many still lack the infrastructure and strategy to convert momentum into meaningful revenue.
That is where we come in.
When athletic departments treat women’s sports as a business — by building fanbases, defining brand identities, and activating partnerships — they open new revenue streams such as:
Ticket sales and gameday experiences
Branded merchandise
Strategic sponsorship activations
Youth outreach and family engagement
Athlete NIL partnerships and personal brand development
A Win for Brands and Girls in Sports
At Women’s Sports Xcelerator, we work with both programs and brands to turn this momentum into growth. One of our most effective approaches is ticket activations that give youth athletes access to the college game. These events are paired with on-site brand experiences that build awareness and long-term loyalty.
This is how you make a difference and see a return.
This is how you build the next generation of fans.
This is how you grow the business of women’s sports.
The numbers are there. The momentum is real.
The only question left is how fast you are willing to move.
Ready to grow the business of women’s sports?
Women’s Sports Xcelerator partners with college programs to build fanbases, grow revenue, and create brand strategies built for women. If you're ready to turn momentum into results, let’s talk.
