The Rise of Viewership: Top 10 Most Watched Women's Sporting Events

For decades, women's sports battled for recognition and viewership. However, the tide is turning. From record-breaking attendance at college volleyball games to global interest in professional soccer finals, female athletes are captivating audiences worldwide. This surge in popularity is fueled by exceptional athleticism, compelling narratives, and increased accessibility of women's sports on television and streaming platforms.

While attendance figures offer a glimpse into the passion of fans, television viewership paints a broader picture of a sport's global reach. Here, we explore the top 10 most-watched women's sporting events, highlighting the diverse sports and passionate fan bases propelling women's athletics to new heights.

1. 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final: USA vs. China (90,185 attendees) This historic final holds the record for the highest attendance at a women's sporting event. Played in the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, the match captivated a global audience. Brandi Chastain's iconic penalty kick victory for the US solidified the team's dominance and marked a turning point for women's soccer in the public eye.

2. FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: 2022 UEFA Women's Champions League Final (91,553 attendees) This El Clásico showdown between Spanish giants redefined European women's club football. Played at Camp Nou, the iconic stadium of FC Barcelona, the match showcased elite talent and ignited a fervor for women's professional leagues.

3. FC Barcelona vs. VfL Wolfsburg: 2022 UEFA Women's Champions League Semi-Final (91,648 attendees) This enthralling semi-final, just days before the record-breaking final, demonstrates the depth of passion in European women's football. Played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in Barcelona, the match solidified Europe's commitment to the growth of the women's game.

4. England vs. Germany: UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Final (87,192 attendees) Held at Wembley Stadium in London, this final witnessed a dominant performance by England, securing their first-ever major trophy in women's football. The electrifying atmosphere and the national team's historic win fueled a surge in interest for the Women's Super League (WSL) in England.

5. England vs. Brazil: 2023 Finalissima (83,132 attendees) This intercontinental cup final, featuring the European champions (England) and the Copa America winners (Brazil), brought international flair to women's football. Played at Wembley Stadium, the match further solidified the global appeal of the sport.

6. England vs. Australia: 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Semi-Final (75,784 attendees) The 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand showcased phenomenal talent and record-breaking viewership. This enthralling semi-final, played at Stadium Australia in Sydney, displayed the growing strength of women's football in Oceania.

7. Chelsea vs. Manchester United: 2023 FA Cup Final (77,390 attendees) The FA Cup final, a prestigious event in English football, witnessed a historic turnout for the women's competition in 2023. Played at Wembley Stadium, the match highlighted the rising popularity of the Women's Super League and its talented players.

8. United States vs. Japan: 2012 Olympic Football Final (80,203 attendees) The London 2012 Olympics offered a global platform for women's football. This captivating final showcased the technical prowess of both teams, with the United States ultimately securing gold. The high viewership reflects the enduring popularity of women's football on the Olympic stage.

9. England vs. Germany: 2019 International Friendly (77,768 attendees) This friendly match between two European powerhouses drew a record-breaking crowd for a women's international friendly. Held at Wembley Stadium, the event demonstrated the growing interest in women's football beyond major tournaments.

10. University of Nebraska vs. Omaha: 2023 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship (87,100 attendees) This unique entry on the list represents the fervent support for collegiate athletics in the United States. Held at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, this match shattered the record for attendance at a women's volleyball game, highlighting the immense popularity of the sport at the college level.

This list showcases the diverse landscapes of women's sports captivating global.