The era of women’s sports being treated as a niche interest is officially over. From packed arenas to record-breaking ratings, women’s sports are surging—and YouTube is quickly becoming one of the most powerful engines driving that momentum. With over 8 million viewers tuning in for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game (peaking at 9.8 million, per ESPN), it’s clear that the rising tide of interest is here to stay. While this year’s numbers are down from 2024’s Caitlin Clark-fueled 18.5 million, the broader trend shows consistent, long-term growth—and it’s no longer dependent on a single superstar. This is a movement, not a moment.
On YouTube, this movement is flourishing. The platform’s accessibility, global reach, and algorithmic discovery make it the perfect home for highlight reels, behind-the-scenes content, athlete vlogs, and fan-driven commentary. This ecosystem is fueling deeper fan engagement and building communities that extend far beyond the final buzzer. It’s not just visibility—it’s loyalty.
That loyalty is translating into real economic impact. Brands are recognizing the opportunity: ad sales for this year’s women’s college basketball tournament were up nearly 200% from last year, according to The Walt Disney Co. These aren’t just impressions—they’re high-impact interactions. WNBA fans, for instance, are significantly more likely to engage with brands online, per Nielsen. And as ESPN’s Andraya Carter put it: “If you’re just now paying attention to the WNBA, the price of the bag has gone up.”
Women’s sports fans also represent a highly desirable demographic. According to Nielsen, 43% of them are male, and they skew younger—making them ideal for brands looking to build long-term relationships with the next generation of consumers. What’s more, 74% of women’s sports fans are the primary earners in their households—higher than the 70% figure for men’s sports fans—underscoring their purchasing power.
At VuePlanner, we’ve recognized this shift and gone all-in. Our team has developed curated YouTube content collections and precision targeting strategies specifically tailored to women’s sports. From NCAA championships to WNBA content, we’re helping brands connect with these passionate audiences in authentic, brand-safe environments that drive results. We don’t just find where the attention is—we help advertisers show up in the moments that matter most.
If you’re ready to capitalize on the explosive growth of women’s sports on YouTube, VuePlanner is your partner. Reach out to our team to learn more about how our targeting strategies can put your brand at the center of the conversation.