Global women's sports revenues are projected to exceed $3 billion in 2026, a significant increase over the $2.4 billion in revenues generated in 2025, according to a report released Wednesday.
The report produced by accounting firm Deloitte said women's sports revenues internationally have increased 340% over the last four years. That has spurred investment in the women's sports ecosystem, which in turn drives further growth but also raises the expectations of fans, athletes, investors and business partners.
“Women’s sports are entering a new phase — one defined by scale, structure, and sustained investment," Alicia Hatch, Deloitte's U.S. Sports chief commercial officer and women's sports leader, said in a statement. “Rising valuations and expanding revenue streams are consistent with a maturing market where leagues, sponsors, and media partners are building for long-term success.”
The report, " Game Changers: Unlocking the Potential of Women’s Sports,” looks at three main types of revenue: commercial, broadcast and matchday. Commercial revenue makes up the greatest share at 45%.
Soccer and basketball are expected to be the the top revenue-generating women's sports, with each accounting for 35% of overall revenues. New competitions, like Unrivaled Basketball, and new leagues, including the Canadian Northern Super League in soccer, are driving growth.
Most of the revenue globally in 2025 was generated by North America (53%), followed by Europe (16%) and that trend was expected to continue this year.
But Deloitte also cited the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, which drew a record 82,000 fans to the final in London, as well as last year's Women's Cricket World Cup. In North America, eight new women's leagues have been launched since 2020.
“Women’s sports are thriving and defined by real, transformative growth and a rapidly expanding global fan base,” said Lara Abrash, chair of Deloitte US. “With global revenue on track to top $3 billion this year, the conversation has moved beyond proving value to intentionally building a lasting, world-class foundation for the future.”
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Barcelona's Irene Paredes celebrates after scoring her side's third goal during a Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, April 2 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
PARIS (AP) — Ousmane Dembélé had an off night but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added another solo goal to his collection as Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.
The Georgia star cut in from the left flank midway through the second half and, with typically quick feet, skipped past a defender and the goalkeeper before stroking in his team-leading eighth goal of the competition.
“We had chances to score more,” Kvaratskhelia said. “But I think it’s OK, 2-0 is good but we have to stay concentrated.”
Désiré Doué put the defending champions ahead in the 11th minute with a deflected effort. The Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé then spurned three chances at Parc des Princes. PSG coach Luis Enrique said his side should have scored more.
“It’s a pity, clearly, we played very well and deserved more goals,” he said, adding that he was surprised that Liverpool played so defensively. “It’s the first time under Arne Slot that they have played with five defenders this season.”
Accepting his team was outplayed, Slot explained his decision to be so cautious.
“They have pace from everywhere all over the pitch, no matter where you look,” he said. "They have so many weapons (and) the times when we tried to play high and aggressive they ripped us apart."
When the two teams met last season in the round of 16, PSG advanced on penalties after losing 1-0 at home and winning 1-0 at Anfield.
The task seems less difficult this time around for PSG with Liverpool facing a trophyless season. However, six-time champion Liverpool overcame a 3-0 first-leg loss against Barcelona in the 2019 semifinals before winning 4-0 at home.
The second leg is next Tuesday at Anfield.
“I’ve been through many special evenings at Anfield,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told TNT Sports. "Our fans are the backbone of the club, and hopefully they can be there for us again.”
Slot's team was reeling from a crushing 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City but was better led in defense. With Allison still injured, Giorgi Mamardashvili — Kvaratskhelia's teammate on the Georgia national team — continued in goal for Liverpool.
Dembélé showed great technique on the edge of the penalty area before flicking the ball left to Doué, whose deflected shot looped over Mamardashvili and under the crossbar.
Mamardashvili atoned with a fine close-range save late in the first half from Doué, again set up by Dembélé.
Another flowing PSG move moments later ended with Dembélé fluffing his shot. But a worse finish followed, and Dembélé held his head in his hands after blazing over from close range in the 53rd following a cut back by Nuno Mendes.
Dembélé hit the post late on.
In Wednesday's other quarterfinal game, Atletico Madrid won 2-0 at Barcelona.
Slot made five substitutions but kept Mohamed Salah on the bench the whole game.
“In the last part of the game it was about surviving for us,” Slot said, explaining why Salah did not come on. “Mo has so much qualities, but to be defending 25 minutes inside his own box, it’s better for Mo to save energy for matches to come.”
Hugo Ekitiké lead the attack against his old club and shot wide early in the second half.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak — the British-record signing for 125 million pounds ($170 million) — came on in the 78th on his comeback from a broken ankle.
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PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
PSG's Desire Doue, left, celebrates with PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, left, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike reacts after PSG's Desire Doue scored his side's opening goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
PSG's Desire Doue, left, celebrates with PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia makes his way through on his way to score his side's second goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
PSG's Desire Doue kicks the ball as he warms-up before the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Liverpool's Alexander Isak, right, and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah run during the warm up before the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah controls the ball during warm up before the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Paris, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot during a training session at the AXA Training Centre, Liverpool, England, Tuesday April 7, 2026. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Jeremie Frimpong, left, attend a training session in Liverpool, England, Tuesday April 7, 2026. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
