Title: The Rise of Women’s Sports: A Business Opportunity Worth Watching
The sports industry has seen a significant shift in recent years as women’s sports have gained more attention and recognition. From increased media coverage to growing fan bases, it’s clear that the fervor and passion surrounding women’s sports are here to stay.
At Extreme Investor Network, we believe that this growing interest in women’s sports presents a unique business opportunity for brands looking to connect with a highly engaged audience. According to Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, women’s sports used to only account for around 5% of sports media coverage, but now they make up closer to 15%. This trend signals a pattern of success across leagues and athletes, making it an exciting time to invest in this burgeoning market.
Sara Gotfredson, founder of Trailblazing Sports Group, highlights the strong business case for brands to align themselves with leagues like the NWSL and the WNBA. She points out that fans of women’s sports are “fanning differently” and are more engaged from a brand partner perspective compared to those who follow men’s sports. Major brands like Google, Ally Bank, and AT&T are already recognizing the value of supporting women’s sports leagues and building equity in this space.
Athletes like Cameron Brink of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks are also reaping the benefits of brand partnerships. By collaborating with companies like New Balance, Urban Decay, and Legal Zoom, these athletes are able to extend their influence beyond the court and create additional revenue streams.
However, the road to success for women’s sports is not without its challenges. As highlighted by panelists at CNBC x Boardroom’s Game Plan sports business event, there is a need for increased accessibility to women’s sports games. Fans like Brink and USC’s women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins agree that making games easier to watch is essential for growing the fan base and attracting new viewers.
While women’s sports leagues may still have a long way to go to reach the same level of exposure as their male counterparts, the momentum is clearly building. As Berman points out, it’s important to recognize that these leagues are still relatively young compared to their male counterparts and need time to grow and evolve.
At Extreme Investor Network, we are excited to track the continued growth and success of women’s sports and the opportunities it presents for forward-thinking brands. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on this dynamic and evolving market.