Long overlooked, women’s football is now undergoing a real transformation. With rising visibility, progressive professionalization, and increased investment, it is finally starting to generate significant revenue. But just how profitable is it? And what is its real economic weight in the world of sports?

📊 Rapid Economic Growth

The 2023/2024 season marked a turning point for many top European women’s football clubs. According to recent data, the 15 most successful clubs generated a total revenue of €116.6 million, representing a 35% increase compared to the previous season.

Leading the pack? FC Barcelona Women and Arsenal Women, each with €17.9 million in revenue. Close behind are Chelsea (€13.4M), Manchester United (€10.7M), and Real Madrid (€10.5M). While these numbers are modest compared to the men’s game, they show a clear upward trend.

🔍 Where Does the Money Come From?

On average, these top clubs earn €4.3 million per year, with revenue sources broken down as follows:

• 58% from sponsorship deals
• 22% from ticket sales
• 20% from broadcasting rights

This shows that while the economic structure is still fragile, there is strong potential, especially in corporate partnerships.

⚖️ Still a Big Gap with Men’s Football

Despite the progress, women’s football is still far behind its male counterpart. The top 20 men’s football clubs in Europe earn on average over €450 million annually. That’s about 200 times more than the top women’s clubs.

The disparity doesn’t stop at revenue. It also affects player salaries, training facilities, media coverage, and general conditions.

📅 What About the Future? A Promising Horizon

Even with these inequalities, the future looks bright. According to a UEFA projection, women’s club football could generate up to €686 million annually by 2033, which would be a six-fold increase from today.

Three main drivers are expected to fuel this growth:

1. Stronger advertising and sponsorship revenue
2. Better ticket sales thanks to rising attendance
3. More lucrative TV deals as demand increases

🇫🇷 France’s Case: Building a Professional League

In France, a major step was taken with the launch of the Ligue Féminine de Football Professionnel (LFFP). The goal: to better organize, professionalize, and grow the women’s game across the country.

Still, many challenges remain: lack of infrastructure, low wages, and limited media exposure. The intentions are there, but on the ground, the realities are more complex. Some clubs still don’t have dedicated training centers for their women’s teams.

✅ Conclusion: The Start of a New Era

Women’s football is no longer just a “social initiative” or a symbolic add-on for clubs. It’s becoming a strategic business branch with major economic potential. Revenues are rising, fan interest is growing, and sponsors are starting to believe.

Sure, there’s still a big gap to close with the men’s game. But with smart investments, fair media treatment, and better structural support, women’s football can — and will — weigh much more in the sports economy. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when.