Women Don’t Like Sports? Think Again
For decades, the idea that women aren’t interested in sports has persisted across cultures, media, and conversations. Whether it’s the misconception that women only watch sports for social reasons or that they’re not capable athletes, these outdated beliefs don’t hold up in today’s world. In truth, women are not only enthusiastic fans but also skilled players, coaches, commentators, and decision-makers in the sporting arena.
According to a 2023 Nielsen Sports study, 84% of general sports fans are interested in women’s sports, with 49% of them being women themselves. The narrative is shifting—and rightly so. This blog explores the real role women play in sports, both as fans and professionals, dismantling the myth that sports is a “man’s world.”
The Myth: Where Did It Come From?
The stereotype that women don’t like sports is rooted in outdated gender roles from the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the time, physical competition was seen as “unladylike,” and women were encouraged to engage in more “graceful” pursuits.
As a result, sports coverage and investment overwhelmingly favored men, creating a feedback loop where women were underrepresented both on and off the field. This historical bias was further reinforced by media portrayals of women as disinterested in—or even incapable of—understanding sports.
Women as Sports Fans: The Numbers Speak
Contrary to popular belief, women are not passive observers of the sports world.
According to Statista (2024), 46% of NFL fans in the U.S. are women, while 41% of MLB viewers are female.
In India, a 2023 YouGov study reported that over 40% of cricket fans are women, a figure that continues to rise thanks to the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 reached over 2 billion viewers globally, with a massive portion of the audience being female.
Women also follow sports with passion and knowledge—tracking stats, attending games, managing fantasy leagues, and actively engaging on social media.
Example: Serena Williams’ Global Appeal
Serena Williams isn’t just a tennis champion; she’s a global icon who attracts fans from all genders. Her dominance on the court and impact off it have helped redefine what it means to be a woman in sports.
Women in Sports: Athletes, Coaches, and Executives
As Athletes
From Simone Biles in gymnastics to Alexia Putellas in football, women are excelling at the highest levels of competition. The Olympics have shown time and again that women are not only present but often lead the medal counts for their countries.
As Coaches and Officials
In the NBA, Becky Hammon made headlines as the first full-time female assistant coach and later as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA.
In soccer, Sarina Wiegman has taken the England women’s national team to international success, showing tactical brilliance on par with male counterparts.
In Executive Roles
Women are also stepping into leadership roles in sports organizations. For example:
Kim Ng was appointed as the first female General Manager in MLB history (Miami Marlins, 2020).
The UEFA Women’s Football Strategy 2024 aims to double participation and improve representation of women in decision-making roles.
Media Representation: Still Catching Up
Despite the clear involvement and interest of women in sports, media coverage does not always reflect this reality. A study by USC and Purdue (2021) found that only 5.4% of sports media coverage in the U.S. focuses on women’s sports.
This underrepresentation affects how the public perceives women in sports. If media continues to prioritize male sports overwhelmingly, the stereotype that “women don’t care about sports” is subtly reinforced.
However, change is coming:
Platforms like ESPNW, Just Women’s Sports, and The Gist focus exclusively on women’s sports.
Social media gives female athletes a direct voice to engage with fans and share behind-the-scenes content, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Why This Stereotype Matters—and How to Change It
Impact of the Stereotype
Girls are less likely to pursue sports due to lack of representation.
Women’s teams receive less funding, less media time, and fewer sponsorships.
Men assume women can’t “understand” or “talk about” sports intelligently, limiting career options in sports journalism or commentary.
What Needs to Happen
- Equal Media Representation: Cover women’s games, athletes, and events regularly.
- Grassroots Support: Encourage young girls to play sports by showing them it’s not just for boys.
- Challenge Gender Bias: Men and women can both enjoy, play, and work in sports at elite levels.
By reframing how society views gender and sports, everyone benefits from a richer, more inclusive sporting world.
FAQs
Q1: Do women actually enjoy watching sports?
Absolutely. Millions of women around the world follow sports passionately—from cricket to basketball to MMA. Many attend games, follow athletes on social media, and engage in fantasy leagues.
Q2: Why don’t we see women’s sports as often on TV?
This is largely due to longstanding media bias and commercial assumptions. But with increasing viewership numbers and social media visibility, demand is pushing broadcasters to change.
Q3: Are women as competitive in sports as men?
Yes. Competitiveness is not gendered. Female athletes train, compete, and strive for excellence with the same intensity as male athletes.
Q4: What’s changing in women’s sports today?
From investment in leagues like the WNBA and WPL to improved maternity policies and equal pay discussions, the landscape for women in sports is evolving for the better.
