International Women’s Day is right around the corner and this year at Sportsworld we are not only celebrating all the inspirational female athletes, we’re also celebrating the increase in support for women’s sport.
Last year was a significant year for female athletes, from records being broken, global engagement increasing, new broadcast and sponsorship deals and groundbreaking viewership numbers, heads really are starting to turn favourably towards women’s sports.
In fact, 2024 saw a significant surge in women’s football attendance, with 2.12 million fans cheering on the footballers, live from stadiums across the UK, by the end of 2024, a year-on-year rise of 38%.
What’s more, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals Riyadh, sponsored by PIF, drew a record global audience of 78 million, up 160% from the previous year.
On top of that, the 2024 Paris Olympics were the first gender-equitable Olympic Games, with equal numbers of male and female athletes.
But it’s not just attendance of women’s sport that is seeing an increase. The FA reported that since 2020 the number of women and girls playing football has increased by 56%.
So, as we look to celebrate this positive change in the world of female sports, let’s dive into some of the notable women leading the charge.
A look at the inspirational women leading the way
Aitana Bonmatí
Football
The Spanish midfielder had an exceptional 2022-23 season, winning the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain. She was awarded the Ballon d’Or and named The Best FIFA Women’s Player, showcasing her ability to dictate games, create chances, and score goals.
Coco Gauff
Tennis
The young American won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open at age 19, showcasing her resilience and skill on the court. Besides her tennis achievements, Gauff has been vocal about social justice issues and has used her platform to raise awareness and support for various causes.
Simone Biles
Gymnastics
After taking a break for mental health reasons, Biles made a triumphant return to competition in 2023, winning her record eighth U.S. all-around title and showcasing her strength both as an athlete and advocate for mental health.
Hannah Cockroft
British wheelchair racer
A British Paralympic athlete, Cockroft is not only a champion in wheelchair racing but also an advocate for disability rights and inclusion in sports.
The power of community: How fans are making a difference
Fans play a vital role in supporting women’s sports by attending games, watching broadcasts, and engaging on social media. This support is crucial not only for promoting attendance and participation but also for attracting more investment and opportunities for women in sports.
Notable initiatives and campaigns that have made a positive impact.
UEFA committed €1 billion to women’s football until 2030, with a focus on improving fan experiences through enhanced matchday presentations, pre-match fan zones, and interactive light shows. These efforts have elevated the spectator experience and increased attendance at events like the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The This Girl Can campaign, launched by Sport England in 2015, is a renowned initiative promoting women’s participation in sports and physical activities. It features real women of all shapes and sizes, challenging societal norms and addressing the fear of judgment that often deters women from exercising. The campaign has inspired 2.8 million women to increase their activity levels and 1.6 million to start or restart exercise.
She Rallies is an initiative by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) aimed at achieving gender balance in tennis. It focuses on increasing participation among women and girls, developing a female workforce, and enhancing visibility of women’s tennis. The programme has successfully engaged women from diverse backgrounds, promoting tennis participation across the UK.
Sportsworld’s commitment: Supporting women athletes
Here at Sportsworld, we are committed to continuing to support women in sports through our products and partnerships.
As the Official Travel Partner to The FA, we are proud to offer official travel packages for the Women’s Euros 2025, as well as a range of official Wimbledon hospitality packages where you can catch the world’s best female tennis players battle for the title.