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Is 2024 FINALLY the Breakthrough Year for Women's Sports??

Why it's predicted to be one for the history books 😍

Author

Bailey
December 19, 2023

Happy Tuesday, sweet Monarch readers 💘

Bailey here, joyously writing this intro with our heat back on 🔥✨ Today’s topic was inspired by this Instagram post from Caitlin Clark I saw while scrolling in bed:

Source: Insta

For those of you that don’t know, Clark is an absolute BADDY, breaking college basketball records left and right. Notice how I didn’t say “women’s records” - it’s because this girl is crushing EVERYONE with her stats. She’s so good, SHE GOT MADELYN INVESTED IN MARCH MADNESS LAST YEAR‼️

Example: Girly pop is less than halfway through her senior season, and is the only player in Division One HISTORY, men’s or women’s, with 3,000+ points, 750+ rebounds and 750+ assists. Sooooo yeah, a total baddie.

Her skill has brought also brought along some much-deserved media attention. Just LOOK at all of the world class NIL Deals she’s already signed:
(NIL = how college athletes can finally get paid instead of getting exploited to make money for huge Sports Networks)

This awesomeness happening to a collegiate G I R L athlete begs the question… is the year of Women’s Sports following in the footsteps of the year of the Barbie Movie?!?

The Unstoppable Ascent of Women's Sports

We've witnessed an unprecedented surge in women's sports in 2023, finally transcending what many men had considered a “niche interest”. If this year did anything for women’s sports are here to stay.

Deloitte's latest prediction is that women's elite sports will generate a whopping $1.28 BILLION in global revenue by 2024. This figure, a colossal 300% increase from three years ago, marks the first time annual revenues will cross the billion-dollar threshold.

A New Era of Sports Entertainment

Deloitte's revenue forecast hinges on three pillars: commercial deals, broadcasting rights, and matchday earnings. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Commercial Deals Leading the Charge: Comprising 55% of the revenue, commercial deals, including sponsorships and merchandising, are the MVPs in this financial surge.

  • Broadcast Rights in the Spotlight: Accounting for 27% of the revenue, broadcasting deals are shining a light on women athletes, giving them the prime-time attention they deserve.

  • Matchday Earnings on the Rise: Contributing 19% to the revenue pool, matchday earnings are set to grow by 5% from 2023.

Top Performers on the Field and in the Market

When it comes to the stars of the show, soccer⚽ and basketball🏀 are predicted to lead the way, accounting for a combined 71% of the total global revenue in 2024. This growth isn't just in numbers; it's about increased visibility, with prime-time broadcast slots making women's sports events more accessible than ever.

Quick aside: Great news for US women’s soccer fans (such as myself) still hiding in a hole of shame after our performance in the last World Cup… Out with the OLD (coach), and in with the NEW (coach)!!!!

More Than Just a Game

The rise in women's sports isn't just a financial or entertainment phenomenon; it has profound cultural implications. Anne Blaschke, a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Boston, notes how women athletes symbolize strength, perseverance, and competitiveness, showcasing female empowerment in a public, dynamic, and relatable way.

Let’s reference the picture below as a perfect example. “The bra seen across the world”, was taken in 1999 after Brandi Chastain scored the goal that won the US Women’s National Soccer Team their second World Cup. It’s still absolutely iconic, and has been important, slow-burning fuel on the fire of women’s sports equality. Why? A woman RIPPING her shirt off on NATIONAL TELEVISION in 1999 was (apparently) absolutely insane!!! Especially when there were ZERO intentions to appease the male gaze with it. This was cool, clear, passion for the game, baby 😍

A Future Brighter Than Ever

With individual team valuations soaring and major events (like the Olympics) on the horizon, women’s sports are poised for even greater heights. Broadcasters and digital platforms play a crucial role in maintaining this momentum, making games accessible and creating unforgettable experiences for fans.

A Victory for All?!

As we witness this historical shift, it's not just a win for women athletes but a triumph for sports enthusiasts everywhere. The growth in women's professional sports is a testament to the power of persistence, talent, and the unyielding spirit of breaking barriers. :’)

Let's cheer on as these incredible athletes not only score goals and baskets. but also score big for gender equality and representation in sports. 😏

Here's to a future where every match is a step towards a more inclusive and exciting world of sports! As it should be!! 🏆🌍

Source: Bored Panda

ILY & TTYS,

B a i l e y

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