In Colorado and nationwide, women’s sports is big business

August 26, 2026

Women’s sports are experiencing rapid growth, with global revenues projected to hit at least $3 billion in 2026, a 340% increase over four years, driven by expanding professional leagues, rising participation, and greater media visibility. North America is expected to account for about 54% of that revenue, fueled not only by pro leagues like the NWSL’s new Denver Summit FC but also by broader participatory activity and youth sports. Despite progress, disparities remain: men still hold most leadership and coaching roles (half of NCAA women’s teams are coached by men, and fewer than 5% of men’s teams have women head coaches), and cultural and structural barriers persist even as investment, facilities, and matchday revenue, forecast to exceed $900 million in 2026, signal long-term opportunity. CBS