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The Rise of Women’s Sports: Opportunities You Can’t Afford to Miss
Women’s sports in the UK have stepped into the spotlight—and it’s about time. From packed stadiums for the Lionesses to record-breaking viewership for women’s cricket, there’s no denying the shift in attention, investment, and passion for the women’s game.
But how can you, as a team, brand, or athlete, tap into this growing movement in a way that’s authentic, impactful, and sustainable? At Dropshot, we’ve been thinking a lot about this—and we want to share some insights that might help you shape your next move.
Why Now Is the Time
The rise of women’s sports isn’t just about more matches being played or watched. It’s about a cultural shift.
Take football: the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final between England and Germany drew an audience of over 17 million on the BBC alone. That’s more than many men’s matches achieve.
In cricket, The Hundred has shown how presenting women’s and men’s games as part of a unified competition can attract diverse audiences. And it’s not just at the elite level. Across the UK, grassroots participation in women’s and girls’ sports is growing faster than ever before.
This isn’t just an opportunity for women’s sports—it’s an opportunity for anyone involved in sport. The key is finding your place within this movement and connecting with the audiences driving it forward.
Common Challenges in Marketing Women’s Sports
1. Breaking Through the Noise
With so much happening in sport, it can feel like a challenge to stand out. Women’s sports may be growing, but they still receive less media coverage than men’s sports. How do you make sure your team, brand, or story reaches the right audience?
2. Authenticity and Commitment
Fans of women’s sports are highly engaged and value authenticity. They want to see real support for the women’s game—not just token gestures or temporary campaigns. How do you ensure your message rings true?
3. Connecting Beyond Matchday
Women’s sports attract a diverse audience, from families to young women to lifelong sports fans. Are you engaging with them effectively outside of the matchday experience?
A Thoughtful Approach to Digital Campaigns
At Dropshot, we believe the most impactful campaigns start with asking the right questions. What makes your team or brand unique? Who are your core audiences, and what motivates them? And perhaps most importantly, how do you create meaningful connections that last?
Here’s how we approach it:
1. Understanding Your Audience
Every successful campaign begins with insight. We work to uncover who your fans are, where they spend time online, and what they care about. Whether it’s young families attending their first match or digital-first fans scrolling through Instagram, knowing your audience is key.
2. Building Stories That Resonate
Women’s sports are rich with stories—of perseverance, progress, and passion. We help you tell those stories in a way that feels natural and engaging. This might mean collaborating with players to share their journeys, or showcasing the behind-the-scenes work that brings a team to life.
3. Tailored Solutions, Not Templates
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A grassroots football team will need something entirely different from a professional cricket brand. That’s why we work with you to create bespoke strategies, from digital campaigns to social activations.
What Could This Look Like for You?
Picture this:
A professional rugby club builds a digital campaign highlighting its women’s squad, generating increased matchday attendance and new commercial partnerships.
A sportswear brand collaborates with a leading female athlete to launch a socially-driven campaign that not only sells products but also inspires the next generation.
A football team unveils its new kit with a bold, cross-platform digital launch that brings fans closer to the players and drives record-breaking pre-orders.
These are just a few examples of how impactful campaigns can elevate your brand, deepen fan connections, and unlock untapped revenue opportunities.
Let’s Find the Right Solution
If you’re wondering how to take the next step, it starts with asking: What’s holding you back? Is it budget constraints? A lack of time or resources? Or maybe you’re just unsure where to begin.
At Dropshot, we’re here to help you navigate those questions. We specialise in working with teams, brands, and athletes to identify opportunities, address challenges, and create campaigns that deliver results.