Aug 8, 2025
·Emily Kho
Across arenas and stadiums nationwide, the surge in popularity of women’s sports is not just a trend. Driven by breakout stars, historic media deals and genuine fan engagement, it’s a transformation.
From NCAA courts to professional soccer fields, demand for tickets is skyrocketing. And it's not just about attendance, it’s about reshaping the business of sports.
Here’s a deep dive into this new era of fandom and how it’s rewriting the rules of the ticketing game.
WNBA: A ticket explosion
WNBA ticket sales have surged by 145% compared to last season, with a 28% jump in first-time buyers, marking the league’s strongest preseason sales on record. Average ticket prices have climbed from $122 to $173, a 43% increase.
This isn’t just inflation. It’s proof of red-hot demand.
One major driver? Caitlin Clark. The NCAA scoring phenom turned pro and took the league by storm. Her debut game with the Indiana Fever broke the WNBA’s single-game attendance record, drawing 20,711 fans. On the road, she’s become a sellout machine, turning quiet Tuesday night games into major events.
But it’s not just Clark. Stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are helping lift the entire league’s visibility and sales. Teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty are seeing consistently high demand, with some markets already reporting near sellouts for the rest of the 2025 season.
The growth in ticketing is also tied to broader league valuation. Some franchises are now valued at over $100 million, a staggering increase compared to just five years ago. With a record-breaking media deal on the horizon and increased sponsor interest, the WNBA is now the fifth-most popular sports league in the U.S. in terms of viewership growth.
Still, players are demanding more. “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts worn in warmups underscore a deeper conversation around revenue sharing. Currently, WNBA players receive just 9–10% of league revenue, a stark contrast to the ~50% revenue share enjoyed by NBA players.
With the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) up for negotiation in October 2025, expect these discussions to take center stage.
NWSL: Soccer’s powerhouse
Women’s pro soccer is riding its own historic wave. The NWSL surpassed 2 million total attendees in 2024, a 14% year-over-year increase. That number is expected to rise again in 2025, especially as expansion teams enter the fold and marquee players join from global clubs.
Average per-game attendance has climbed to over 11,000, up from under 8,000 in 2022. Teams like Seattle Reign and San Diego Wave have hosted 30,000+ fans at single games, shattering league records. The Washington Spirit, who now play at Audi Field, saw 71% season ticket growth year-over-year and are trending toward 16,000 fans per game.
A key factor in this momentum? Investment in infrastructure. Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium, which opened in 2024, is the first-ever stadium built specifically for a women’s pro team. Meanwhile, Denver’s incoming 2026 expansion team has already secured 10,000+ season ticket deposits and announced plans for a purpose-built stadium.
Some of the biggest athletes worldwide also play in the NWSL, proving that the league is an international destination for the best players. Brazilian forward Marta, widely recognized as soccer's "GOAT", plays for the Orlando Pride. Spanish striker (and 2025 Euros Golden Boot winner) Esther plays for Gotham FC. And Malawian superstar Temwa Chawinga was the league's 2024 MVP on Kansas City Current. The list goes on.
This emphasis on bespoke venues sends a clear message: women's sports aren't an add-on. They are a central product worth long-term investment. NWSL games are increasingly family-friendly, affordable and media-visible, making them perfect entry points for new fans and great value buys for seasoned supporters.
NCAA Women’s Basketball: bigger than ever
Now, even with Caitlin Clark graduating to the WNBA, the aftershocks of her collegiate impact are still being felt. NCAA women’s programs are expanding their marketing efforts, investing in larger venues and attracting higher-profile media coverage.
Rising stars like JuJu Watkins (USC) and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) are stepping into the limelight, helping ensure that the momentum of the Caitlin Clark era continues into the next generation of NCAA women’s basketball.
Expect more sold-out arenas, higher ticket prices and expanded media coverage during March Madness and beyond.
What’s driving the surge in women's sports?
Women’s sports aren’t just riding a wave of popularity. They’re reshaping how fans engage with live events. From record-breaking crowds to fast-selling tickets, a perfect storm of star power, media coverage and social media virality is fueling demand like never before.
Mainstream star power
Players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Trinity Rodman, and Marta are now household names. Their social followings rival those of their male counterparts, and their presence drives fans to both in-person games and digital platforms like SeatGeek.
Massive media deals
A new $2.2 billion women’s basketball media rights deal begins in 2026. Networks are also investing heavily in NWSL and WNBA coverage, placing women’s games in primetime slots and across major streaming platforms.
Better venues, better experiences
Purpose-built venues (like CPKC Stadium and upgraded WNBA arenas) offer fans a better experience and validate the long-term viability of these leagues. Fans are responding with their wallets.
Merch, social, and NIL growth
The rise in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals has helped female college athletes grow their brands, especially on TikTok and Instagram. This visibility translates into ticket sales when they hit the pro ranks.
CBA negotiations and player advocacy
As revenue grows, so does player leverage. CBA negotiations in both the WNBA and NWSL are focusing on player pay, travel standards and health care, core issues that also improve the fan product over time.
What fans can expect in 2025 and beyond
WNBA: Expect sellouts for marquee games and high resale prices in hot markets like New York, Vegas and Indiana. The playoffs and All-Star Game will be major draws.
NWSL: Expansion teams and stadium debuts will make for high-demand tickets. Early-season games are great for value seekers.
NCAA: Prime-time regular season games and early-round March Madness matchups will get pricier—especially if top players stay multiple seasons.
Tips for SeatGeek users
Track star-driven matchups and set alerts early, especially for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and JuJu Watkins appearances.
Watch for inventory spikes around new stadium debuts in Kansas City, Denver and DC.
Follow ticket price trends: WNBA resale values have jumped 43% in just one season.
Use Deal Score to compare games across cities. Some venues price more generously than others.
Subscribe to women’s sports tags or filters to catch new listings as they go live.
Women's sports are here to stay
Women’s sports have crossed a threshold into mainstream entertainment. Players are shaping the narrative. Stadiums are adapting. Fans are showing up.
Ticket sales don’t lie. They reflect value, demand, and connection. And in 2025, women’s sports are delivering all three in historic fashion.
Whether you’re catching a record-breaking WNBA tour, watching college history unfold or joining the next NWSL expansion crowd, one thing’s clear: there’s never been a better time to buy in.
Check SeatGeek now to explore upcoming women’s sports events near you and be part of the movement that’s redefining what fans cheer for.