Women's soccer is about to hit the big time! A new report says it's on track to reach 800 million fans by 2030, making it the fifth most popular sport worldwide. That's some serious growth for a game that's currently ranked tenth.
The study by Nielsen Sports and PepsiCo calls this journey "Undervalued to Unstoppable." They're predicting a 38% increase in women's soccer's reach over just the next five years. For fans and bettors, this means more matches, better coverage, and expanded betting markets.
Currently, men's soccer tops the global popularity chart, followed by basketball, swimming, Formula One, and track and field. Women's soccer sits at number ten but is climbing fast. The growth pattern shows spikes every other year when major tournaments happen.
Europe Leading the Charge, But Global Appeal is Massive
Europe is driving much of this growth. Fan interest in the UK doubled in just six months during 2022 before England hosted the Women's Euro. Switzerland, this year's host, has seen a 22% jump in appreciation for the women's game.
The participation numbers are even more impressive. France has seen a 150% increase in players over five years. Spain reports a 95% rise. And China? An incredible 300% growth with about 186 million new fans in just five years.
Surprisingly, the countries with the highest percentage of women's soccer fans aren't European. Colombia leads with 50% of its population following women's soccer. UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and India round out the top five. This global spread creates diverse betting opportunities across different markets and time zones.
A Valuable Audience for Sponsors and Betting Platforms
The demographics make women's soccer especially attractive to sponsors and betting sites. Half of all fans are aged 25-44, and 47% fall into the top income bracket. That's significantly higher than the general population.
The gender balance is shifting too. In 2019, 57% of women's soccer fans were male. By 2024, it's an even split. By 2030, the report predicts 60% of fans will be female. This evolution will likely influence how betting platforms market women's soccer events.
Fan engagement is expected to spike during tournament years. The report predicts the global fanbase will exceed 800 million by 2029, coinciding with the next UEFA Women's Euro. For bettors following this trend, major tournaments could offer particularly vibrant markets.
PepsiCo is already capitalizing on this growth. They'll replicate their famous Champions League "kick-off show" at the Women's Champions League final in Oslo. These high-profile events typically generate significant betting interest and special promotional offers from bookmakers.
With two-thirds of women's soccer fans also being dedicated music and gaming enthusiasts, we're likely to see more creative crossover promotions and themed betting options in coming years. The women's game isn't just growing—it's creating an entirely new betting ecosystem.
