Despite skepticism about women’s sports capturing mainstream audiences, leagues are delivering success and profitability.
(Michelle Zenarosa/AP)
2024: A Breakthrough Year for Women’s Sports
In 2024, women’s sports reached unprecedented heights. Attendance and viewership surged, with a 22% rise in sponsorships for professional leagues. Notable athletes like Olympian Ilona Mayer and WNBA star Angel Reese emerged as prominent figures, capturing public attention both on and off the field.
Media Attention and New Opportunities
As networks have begun to acknowledge the increased viewer interest, changes are being implemented. Vox reported a staggering 226% increase in viewership for the first five WNBA games on ESPN this season compared to last year. In response to this demand, the league is expanding, with two new teams set to join in Toronto and the San Francisco Bay Area. Fans can watch all WNBA matches on the league’s streaming service, League Pass, alongside broadcasts on Amazon Prime, ESPN+, and local channels.
New Platforms for Women’s Sports
Building on the momentum of women’s basketball and the excitement of the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics, actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg has launched the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), a 24/7 streaming service dedicated to showcasing live women’s sports globally, covering the likes of soccer, basketball, tennis, and cricket. This service is accessible on platforms such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Vizio’s WatchFree+.
The Renaissance of Women’s Sports
“This is the moment. We’re absolutely amid the women’s sports renaissance,” said Nefertiti Walker, professor and deputy vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts. “There’s no other time in history that you’ve had women’s sports so mainstream.”
Anticipating 2025: Key Leagues to Watch
To keep the momentum going into 2025, it’s essential to embrace and support women’s sports. Here are five burgeoning leagues poised for growth:
Basketball
If you haven’t engaged with women’s basketball, now’s the time. The WNBA continues to break viewership records. The upcoming season will feature 14 teams, thanks to expansions in Toronto and San Francisco. The New York Liberty even clinched their first WNBA championship in 2024.
This season kicks off in May, with games available on League Pass, ESPN networks, and Amazon Prime. Notable players include the 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson and rising star Angel Reese. For ongoing analysis and insights, tune into The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show podcast.
Hockey
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) launched its inaugural season in January, marking a significant milestone in women’s sports. With teams located in U.S. cities such as Boston, Minnesota, and New York, following the league is easier than ever.
Some matches are available on Amazon Prime, with the first season set to conclude in May 2025. The Jock in Jills podcast offers a comprehensive look at women’s hockey, highlighting prominent players like Hilary Knight, the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation Female Player of the Year.
Lacrosse
In 2025, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is set to launch a women’s division, comprised of four teams. While locations and player rosters are forthcoming, the league will debut during the 2025 PLL Lexus Championship Series in February, with games streaming on ESPN+.
Rugby
The upcoming Women’s Elite Rugby League will launch in 2025, marking the first professional women’s rugby league in the U.S. Teams will be spread across various markets, including the Bay Area, Denver, Twin Cities, Chicago, New York, and Boston. Details about the schedule will be available soon.
The 2022 documentary “No Woman No Try” highlights the obstacles faced by women in rugby, emphasizing gender inequality and the challenges to pursue their passion.
Soccer
Following a landmark $22 million lawsuit win against the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender pay disparity, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team continues to spearhead change. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is gaining traction, with ESPN dubbing the semi-finals must-see TV. Investors are taking notice, signaling growth and interest in the sport.
The NWSL is set to expand with new teams in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver. Games are available on NWSL+, streaming free via platforms like Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku. Key players to watch include Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma, with insightful discussions available through podcasts like “The Women’s Soccer Show.”
Baseball
Looking ahead, the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) has announced plans to launch in summer 2026. This will mark the first professional women’s league since the 1950s, starting with six franchises. Stay tuned for more details about team locations and streaming options.
