Startup women’s leagues on the rise, fueled by popularity of women’s sports. But will they last?

August 26, 2025

At least eight women’s pro leagues have launched in the past three years, including the WPBL, Unrivaled — a fast-paced 3-on-3 women’s basketball league that debuted this year — and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, seizing on rising viewership, bigger sponsorship deals and a fan base more eager than ever to support female athletes. AP News