The rapid expansion of women’s professional sports is gaining momentum, not only by showcasing exceptional talent but also through significant investments in infrastructure. This trend is evident in the construction of new facilities designed specifically for female athletes, signaling that investors are increasingly keen on this sector.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has already seen the establishment of a dedicated soccer stadium, with plans for another underway. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is following suit, enhancing its practice facilities, including a state-of-the-art training center for the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark’s team.
These well-planned facilities serve multiple purposes. They help attract and retain top-tier athletic talent while opening avenues for new revenue, such as sponsorship opportunities. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the strides taken in the past couple of years, yet acknowledged that there remains more to accomplish.
In Portland, both the NWSL’s Thorns and a prospective WNBA team set to debut in 2026 are among those reaping the benefits. The Bhathal family, proprietors of these teams, is embarking on a $150 million endeavor to create a joint training facility, marking a groundbreaking collaboration between the two leagues.
Just a decade ago, NWSL players frequently encountered substandard conditions, such as inadequate facilities and unsuitable training grounds. Former Sky Blue players practiced without basic amenities, while U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo previously detailed poor conditions she faced in the league.
An incident last year, where a music festival nearly disrupted a Chicago Stars game, underscored challenges faced by teams without their own venues. Many women’s teams still share spaces with men’s teams or other organizations, although this is gradually changing.
Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA invigorated the league, boosting attendance significantly. The Indiana Fever is set to move into a new $78 million training facility by 2027, separating their space from the NBA Pacers. Simultaneously, the Chicago Sky is transitioning from public recreation centers to its own training space by 2026.
The NWSL’s Kansas City Current paved the way by launching the first women’s soccer stadium built specifically for the purpose. Further expansion follows, with Denver, securing the league’s 16th spot for 2026, promising to construct a privately-financed stadium as part of its proposal.
Bay FC is developing a training center on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay, a project symbolizing a shift in infrastructure. Angel City’s opening of the largest NWSL practice facility at Cal Lutheran University earlier this year further illustrates these advancements.
Angel City forward Christen Press reflects on her experiences of playing under difficult conditions, from inadequate facilities to challenging circumstances without the support structures in place today. She highlights the belief that current efforts are paving the way for a brighter future in women’s sports.
As investment in women’s sports continues to grow, athletes themselves are partaking in this evolution. Notably, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu now co-owns Bay FC, and tennis icon Serena Williams has acquired a stake in the WNBA’s new Toronto team.
Karina LeBlanc, former goalie turned general manager for the Portland Thorns, advocates for increased visibility to attract fans, which in turn generates interest and investment in women’s sports. She stresses the importance of everyone playing their part, from purchasing tickets to watching broadcasts, in boosting investment.
These investments are mirrored in the increasing valuations of the teams. Following the Bhathal family’s acquisition of Portland’s WNBA team for $125 million, the valuation of a 16th franchise could surpass $200 million. Last year’s acquisition of Angel City FC by Disney CEO Bob Iger valued the team at $250 million.
Historically, women’s sports have advocated for equity, but the narrative is evolving with revenue expectations exceeding $1 billion globally. The industry is transforming into a profitable business, as noted by David M. Carter, founder of the Sports Business Group.
For further growth and sustained investment, stakeholders in women’s sports must continue moving beyond advocacy, treating their enterprises as financially appealing with significant economic potential.
