Lots of attention has been paid to rising attendance numbers in international matches in women’s football. Yet, the individual national leagues have also recorded higher demands in recent years. The broadcast effect following the EURO 2022 in England is especially noteworthy. The hugely successful EURO led to a significant increase in viewer numbers across Europe.
This spectator analysis focuses on the five leading leagues worldwide – Frauen-Bundesliga, Women’s Super League, Première Ligue, Liga F and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Among these, the NWSL is the clear leader attracting audiences. The league recorded more than two million spectators at 182 matches in the last season (2023/24 / 2024). The WSL follows with almost one million. In third place is the Frauen-Bundesliga with up to 380,000 spectators, closely followed by Liga F. The French Première Ligue (formerly Division 1 Féminine) follows in fifth place with just over 140,000 spectators.
Increased attendances in five biggest leagues in women’s football
In positive news for attendances in women’s football, all five leagues are seeing an increase in demand from fans. An important factor in this development is that more and more clubs are playing their ‘highlight matches’ in larger stadiums. Some, like Arsenal, are even moving most of their season matches in a large stadium. It has been shown that this kind of ‘eventisation’ attracts more fans to women’s football. It is also important to note that, compared to men’s football, the target groups are different. Young girls and families make up a large proportion of those interested in the women’s game.
Disclaimer: Please note that the attendance numbers in the various sources for attendances in women’s football may vary. We have endeavoured to be as transparent as possible in our research. As far as possible, we have taken into account the figures published by the national associations. Our sources include: DFB, Eurosport, Diario AS, ESPN, Kicker, Optus Sport, Statista, SportsPro, Two Circles and Worldfootball.
Spectator Analysis: Arsenal and NWSL Leading the way
Looking at the individual leagues, there are a number of clubs that have managed to build a strong fan base through pulling from the men’s club fans as well as by placing fitting advertisements. Arsenal FC has the highest average attendance per game in the WSL and overall. The Gunners are attracting an average of 29,999 fans per game to the Emirates Stadium in north London.
The highest-attended club football match is still a UEFA Women’s Champions League. In 2022, 91,533 spectators came to the Camp Nou to watch FC Barcelona play against Real Madrid in 2022. The highest-attended match at national level took place in England in 2023 following the EUROs triumph. The FA Cup final between Chelsea FC and Manchester United attracted 77,390 spectators. Moreover, the highest attendance for a league match was 60,739, in La Liga F, when Atlético Madrid met Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2019.
The examples have shown that what women’s football needs to gain more attraction, apart from the quality of the football itself, is to deliver more incentives for potential fans to make it to the stadium. Examples are chosing bigger venues, offering activities on site, creating a family-friendly atmosphere, properly advertising games, and more. There are still many untapped opportunities that bare the potential to increase spectator numbers in women’s football even further in the future.
Text: Adriana Wehrens
