76% of fans want more women’s football coverage, survey finds

A survey by international sports marketing agency Sportfive has revealed that 76 per cent of women’s football fans would like to see more coverage of the sport.

The findings of the survey were published on Monday and illustrate the increasing desire by the public for more women’s sport to be televised.

This comes as women’s sport experiences a period of unprecedented growth, marketability, and acclaim.

Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.

Survey offers interesting findings

Sportfive surveyed approximately 12,000 respondents across the US, Spain, France, Germany, and Australia regarding audience preferences related to women’s football.

It was found that television is the most commonly used platform by fans who wanted more information and coverage of the sport.

The poll also found that women’s football has a notably larger appeal among younger demographics, with up to two-thirds of global fans aged between 16 and 44 years old.

Additionally, the survey revealed that 66 per cent of women’s football revenue comes through commercial deals in comparison to 44 per cent for the men’s game.

READ MORE: BBC to broadcast Premiership Women’s Rugby matches in lead-up to home World Cup

Growing the women’s game

Stefan Fesling, Sportfive chief executive, believes that the survey and its findings reflect the recent expansion of the women’s game.

“Women’s football has evolved from a burgeoning interest to a global phenomenon, experiencing unprecedented growth and capturing the hearts of millions worldwide,” he said.

Indeed, a number of major women’s football events are set to pique audience interest over the next two years, with the UEFA Women’s Euros in July and the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2026 of particular promise.

Sportfive further urged media organisations and other stakeholders to capture more data around fan behaviour when it comes to women’s football.

The agency says the sport needs to target free-to-air coverage for wider reach and that rights holders should work with the media to adapt rights packages to the unique fanbase of the sport.

Finally, Sportfive called for increased investment in broadcast production to attract new audiences.

MORE FROM SHAMEEKA VOYIYA: Sponsorship of women’s sport grew 22 per cent in 2024, Deloitte says