Women’s Sports Are Booming—So Why Are Female Footballers Earning Just $10K a Year?

Women’s sports are experiencing record-breaking growth, with global revenues projected to reach $2.35 billion by 2025, according to Deloitte. Yet, a stark contrast remains: the average professional female footballer earns just $10,900 a year, and many players in lower-tier clubs make as little as $2,800.

This financial disconnect raises a critical question: If women’s sports are more valuable than ever, why aren’t clubs investing in their players?

Women’s Sports Revenues Are Surging

Deloitte’s latest report highlights the massive commercial potential of women’s sports:

  • Global revenue in women’s elite sports is up 240% in four years, from $692M in 2022 to a projected $2.35B in 2025.

  • Women’s basketball has overtaken football in revenue, set to exceed $1B in 2025.

  • Commercial sponsorships are driving growth, making up 55% of women’s sports revenues in 2024.

  • Broadcast and matchday revenues are increasing, with $500M expected from ticket sales alone in 2025.

But Women’s Football Still Faces Financial Challenges

Despite these promising figures, FIFA’s latest study reveals the struggles women’s football still faces:

  • Player salaries remain shockingly low, averaging $10,900 annually.

  • Many clubs operate at a loss, with 67% of top-tier clubs reporting year-on-year financial deficits.

  • Matchday attendance is still low, averaging just 1,713 fans per game in top-tier leagues.

  • Only four women’s leagues worldwide have title sponsorships worth over $1M.

The industry is in a “start-up phase,” as FIFA describes it, meaning clubs, leagues, and investors need to think differently to capitalise on the rapid growth.

How Clubs Can Take Action

To bridge the gap between booming revenues and struggling clubs, the industry needs to focus on:

✅ Investing in Player Well-Being – Fair wages, better training facilities, and access to essential resources (including period care) will help retain and develop talent.

✅ Building Stronger Fan Engagement – More marketing, community outreach, and game-day experiences can boost attendance and revenue.

✅ Leveraging Commercial Growth – Strategic sponsorships, merchandise sales, and partnerships can provide long-term financial stability.

 ✅ Breaking Outdated Taboos – Women’s health, including period care, directly impacts performance. Normalizing this conversation can lead to better athlete support.

We’re Here to Support Women in Sport

The momentum is here, and the clubs that act now will lead the future of women’s football.

As the best period care brand for sports, we’re committed to supporting female athletes by providing the resources they need to perform at their best—on and off the pitch.

📩 Let’s talk. We’d love to help your club be part of this transformation.

 

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