2025 has been a landmark year for women's sports, marked by historic victories, unprecedented growth, and increasing visibility across various disciplines. From the triumphs of England's rugby and football teams to the rise of the WNBA and India's historic cricket victory, female athletes have captivated audiences and shattered records.
England's Dominance in Rugby and Football
England witnessed a year of unparalleled success in women's team sports, with both the Red Roses (rugby) and the Lionesses (football) securing major titles. The Red Roses clinched the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil, defeating Canada 33-13 in a thrilling final at Twickenham. This victory, attended by a record-breaking crowd of 81,885, marked England's third World Cup title and solidified their dominance in the sport. The cumulative attendance for the tournament reached 441,356, tripling the number from the 2021 edition. The BBC reported a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers in the UK, making it the most-watched women's rugby union match ever on UK television.
The Lionesses continued their reign in European football by retaining the UEFA Women's Euro title. In a nail-biting final against Spain, England emerged victorious after a penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience and determination. This win marked the first time an England senior side had won a major tournament on foreign soil.
WNBA's Continued Ascent
The WNBA continued its upward trajectory in 2025, experiencing growth in viewership, attendance, and overall popularity. Despite the absence of star player Caitlin Clark for a portion of the season due to injuries, the league maintained strong viewership numbers. The 2025 season averaged 969,000 viewers across ESPN networks, Ion, and CBS, a 3% increase from the previous year. ESPN's coverage averaged 1.3 million viewers during 25 regular-season games, up 6% year-over-year, marking their most-watched season in history.
The WNBA also saw a rise in attendance, with opening weekend games averaging 8,487 attendees, a 36.7% increase from the previous year. Several teams, including the Golden State Valkyries in their debut, played to sold-out crowds, underscoring the league's growing appeal. The league's strong performance has led to increased investment, with the New York Liberty selling a 20% stake at a record valuation of US$450 million. The WNBA is set to expand to 15 teams in 2026 with new franchises in Toronto and Portland, with plans to reach 18 teams by 2030.
India's Historic Cricket World Cup Victory
In a moment of national pride, the Indian women's cricket team clinched their first-ever Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held in Navi Mumbai. The victory sparked celebrations across the country, marking a significant milestone for women's cricket in India. Shafali Verma's explosive 87 off 70 balls and Deepti Sharma's all-round performance were instrumental in India's triumph. Harmanpreet Kaur, the team's captain, described the win as the result of "years of hard work, heartbreaks, and unshakable belief".
Looking Ahead
2025 has set a new benchmark for women's sports, demonstrating the increasing talent, competitiveness, and marketability of female athletes. As women's sports continue to gain momentum, the challenge lies in sustaining this growth and ensuring equitable opportunities, investment, and media coverage for female athletes across all disciplines. With upcoming events like the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the European Athletics Championships in 2026, the future looks bright for women's sports.
