Women's sports hit new heights

The value of NWSL and WNBA teams is expected to grow by at least $1.6 billion over the next three years, according to research released late last month by The Collective, the women's division of sports and entertainment agency Wasserman.

"WNBA and NWSL teams are leading the charge, but this growth is not limited to these leagues — it's about the growth of the entire women's sports ecosystem."

A recent PwC survey of more than 400 industry leaders showed that 85 percent expected double-digit growth for women's sports revenues in the next three to five years, with soccer, basketball and rugby in particular getting a boost from major events.

The climate has been appealing for new outfits too, as Premier Lacrosse League last month announced a women's league that will debut next year, and the six-team Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) plans to kick off in 2026.