As Women’s History Month fades into the rearview mirror, one question lingers in the air: Is this the Year of Women’s Sports? The answer seems to be a resounding yes, as the landscape of women’s sports experiences an unprecedented hot streak. Here’s a glimpse into the remarkable surge:
- The highly anticipated rematch between Iowa and LSU on April 1 shattered records, marking the most-watched women’s basketball NCAA game ever with historic TV viewership on ESPN.
- In a groundbreaking moment, the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League unveiled the CPKC Stadium on March 16. This privately financed stadium stands as the first purpose-built venue exclusively for a professional women’s soccer team.
- The momentum continues with the NWSL securing a monumental broadcast-rights deal worth $240 million over four years last November. With coverage spanning CBS Sports, ESPN, and Amazon’s Prime Video, the reach of women’s soccer has never been broader.
- Not to be outdone, the Professional Women’s Hockey League has been setting attendance records across the board in 2024. From Ottawa to Minnesota to Montreal, the league has consistently drawn record crowds, culminating in a staggering 19,285 fans at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Feb. 16, the largest-ever audience for women’s hockey.
- The financial forecast is equally promising, with a Deloitte report projecting global revenues of $1.28 billion for women’s elite sports in 2024. This milestone represents a significant leap from previous valuations and underscores the growing commercial viability of women’s sports.
Victus Advisors: Pioneering Progress in Women’s Sports
At Victus Advisors, we take pride in our contributions to the evolution of women’s sports, particularly our involvement in the development of CPKC Stadium:
- In 2022, Victus conducted an economic and fiscal impact analysis of the Kansas City Current and the proposed riverfront stadium, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
- Building on this foundation, we delivered a comprehensive analysis in 2023 for a new youth soccer complex at the Current’s training facility in Riverside, Mo., further solidifying our commitment to supporting women’s sports at all levels.
- Currently, Victus is actively engaged in assessing the economic and fiscal impact of a new riverfront development district adjacent to CPKC Stadium, exemplifying our dedication to fostering vibrant sports ecosystems that benefit communities and athletes alike.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Future of Women’s Sports
As CPKC Stadium garners headlines for its pioneering role in women’s sports, it’s essential to recognize the broader implications of this movement.
Across the country, Victus clients are spearheading initiatives to enhance sports infrastructure and accessibility, driven in part by the increasing participation of girls and women in sports.
From multipurpose facilities to specialized venues, the demand for inclusive spaces is undeniable, and Victus Advisors stands ready to guide stakeholders in realizing their vision for a more equitable and vibrant sporting landscape.
Join us as we celebrate the rise of women’s sports and embark on a journey to shape a future where every athlete has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a legacy of empowerment and excellence that transcends the boundaries of the playing field.