December 12 – Women’s football in the UK is booming, having shown year-on-year growth of nearly 38%, leading to larger, and more consistent, crowds than ever before, according to a report by ad agency Two Circles.
Notably, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship have achieved significant increases in both total and average attendances – a staggering 32% and 71% increase across the respective competitions.
Women’s football attendances have officially surpassed that of Rugby League and cricket in the UK, and look set to overtake Rugby Union and Horse Racing in the coming years as Women’s game continues to flourish.
The spike in attendance has been aided by WSL teams utilising the stadia of their Premier League men’s teams. For instance, Arsenal, the best-attended WSL club, will play eight league games and three UWCL games at the 60,000-capacity Emirates stadium this season.
The surge in women’s football is being felt across Europe as well.
Recent figures show average attendances in the top four leagues (England, Germany, Spain and France) rose by 24% during the 2023-24 season.
Findings from the study also revealed that football in England drives significantly more consumption than the other top ten sports combined, with Premier League clubs in particular facing far more demand than supply. Across the Men’s English top flight, stadiums have maintained an occupancy of 97% this season.
The growth of the game in England shows no sign of slowing down either, with major stadium developments in the works at Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United, amongst others.
“What we’re seeing from attendances in 2024 is clear, nothing beats the live experience. This is true for sports as it is for music, and so it is a little wonder that the likes of Oasis are seeing the value in returning to the big stage,” said Gareth Baluch, CEO and co-founder at Two Circles.
“In sports, there continues to be challenges for the squeezed middle, but these numbers demonstrate that there is an enthusiastic community of passionate sports fans ready to embrace those willing to innovate. Balance will be crucial in the coming years, building pricing strategies that maintain accessibility while maximising revenues, enabling brilliantly engaging live experiences. The winners will be those that know their fans best.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1747798376labto1747798376ofdlr1747798376owedi1747798376sni@g1747798376niwe.1747798376yrrah1747798376