Why Sponsorship in Women’s Sport Is the Smartest Brand Investment in 2025

When I first left university in 2011, I applied for almost every graphic design role I could find. One opportunity stood out with a nationally recognised sports nutrition company. They invited me to three interviews, and by the third stage I decided to go beyond the designs they had asked for.

Spotting the Early Opportunity in Women’s Sport

Rather than limiting myself to the brief, I explored where the company could expand its sales. I focused on women’s sport, particularly football. At the time, England’s women’s football team had recently finished as runners-up in the European Championship and, although the game was not yet fully professional, momentum was building.

I put together a detailed presentation on how investing in women’s sport early could give the company a strong foothold in the market. I even calculated that if they captured just one per cent of the market share of women playing football, their turnover would increase significantly.

A Lesson in Vision and Strategy

The idea was not taken on board and I did not get the job. In truth, it was likely due to my lack of experience as a new graduate rather than the concept itself. Still, being invited to three interviews gave me confidence and taught me the value of combining creativity with commercial strategy.

The Rise of the Lionesses and Women’s Sport Revenues

Fast forward to today in 2025. England’s women’s football team, the Lionesses, have won the last two European Championships and finished third and second in the last two World Cups. Global revenues for elite women’s sport reached approximately US$1.88 billion in 2024, with over half of that coming from sponsorships and merchandising.

This rapid growth has proven what many of us believed years ago: women’s sport is a powerful commercial opportunity as well as a cultural movement.

Apple’s iPhone 17 Campaign and Women’s Rugby

Just yesterday, Apple, one of the most valuable companies in the world with a market capitalisation in the trillions, launched the iPhone 17 campaign featuring women’s rugby. (View here - Takes You To Reddit) The timing aligned perfectly with the Women’s Rugby World Cup currently underway.

For someone who once struggled to convince companies to sponsor the women’s teams, seeing a global brand place women’s sport at the centre of its marketing is huge. It is personally rewarding to see women finally being recognised, celebrated, and valued on the biggest stages.

Why Sponsorship in Women’s Sport Matters for Brands

Not everyone will see your vision when you first share it, and that is fine. What matters is persistence, belief, and strategy. Sponsorship in women’s football, rugby, and other sports is more than visibility. It creates brand awareness, loyalty, and cultural relevance with audiences who value equality and representation.

Businesses that embrace this movement early are positioning themselves not just for growth but for long-term credibility. Jumping on a bandwagon is never enough; the key question remains: is this right for your business and your strategy?

Conclusion

The rise of women’s sport is not just a victory on the pitch, it is a huge opportunity off it. Sponsorship in women’s sport is now one of the smartest marketing investments businesses can make, and here is why. Audiences for women’s football, rugby and other sports are growing rapidly, attracting younger, more diverse and more digitally engaged fans. This means brands can reach new markets that traditional sponsorship often misses.

On top of that, the cost of entry into women’s sport is still significantly lower than men’s, making it a high-value opportunity with exceptional ROI. Sponsorship also positions businesses as progressive and socially responsible, which boosts trust and loyalty among consumers who want to support brands that stand for equality.

Apple’s iPhone 17 campaign with women’s rugby is a perfect example. By aligning with the Women’s Rugby World Cup, they not only gain global visibility but also associate their brand with empowerment, inclusivity and cultural momentum. That is the power of women’s sport sponsorship.

And beyond the commercial logic, it is simply wonderful to see women finally getting their flowers, being recognised, celebrated and given the spotlight they deserve. The momentum is only growing, and those who invest now will be remembered as the ones who saw the opportunity before it was obvious.