The Rise of Women’s Sports Fans

Women’s sports are stepping into the spotlight like never before! According to a recent poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 3 in 10 U.S. adults follow women’s professional or college sports at least somewhat closely. That’s still behind men’s sports, which grab about half of U.S. fans, but it’s clear women’s sports are carving out their own growing fan base.

And it’s not hard to see why. Rising stars like Caitlin Clark—University of Iowa phenom turned WNBA sensation—have brought women’s basketball into the spotlight. Add to that increased streaming access, international wins, and the new era of name, image, and likeness deals, and suddenly women’s sports feel more exciting and accessible than ever.

Here’s something interesting: women’s sports fans aren’t just women. In fact, roughly half are men, which is a more balanced mix than men’s sports fans, where about two-thirds are male. Fans also tend to be more casual, tuning in occasionally rather than obsessively tracking every game. While men’s sports fans are often loyal to teams, women’s sports fans are more likely to follow athletes they love.

The WNBA is set to capitalize on this momentum. The league is expanding in 2025 with the Golden State Valkyries and will add two more teams in 2026, including one in Portland, Oregon. Attendance is already booming, with records being set and reset last season. Fans like Sells—a decade-long resident of Portland—are gearing up to grab season tickets.

Of course, men’s sports still dominate in overall popularity. Roughly one-third of U.S. adults follow men’s collegiate sports, and over 40% follow pro men’s leagues. But the crossover is notable: 90% of women’s sports fans also follow men’s sports, while only about half of men’s sports fans follow women’s leagues.

The takeaway? Women’s sports are no longer the “also-ran” of the sports world. They’re growing, engaging, and attracting a fresh wave of fans—many casual, many athlete-focused, and all enthusiastic. Whether it’s catching the latest WNBA showdown, tuning into a college championship, or just following your favorite player, women’s sports are proving there’s plenty of excitement to go around.