The UK government has unveiled an ambitious plan to position Britain as the world’s premier destination for women’s sport investment, launching a comprehensive accelerator scheme that aims to capitalize on the sector’s remarkable 300% growth since 2021.
The 2024-25 Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator program, revealed by Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson, will connect over 20 elite leagues and teams with potential investors across nine different sports.
Investment Landscape
The women’s sports industry in the UK has experienced unprecedented growth, with key metrics showing:
- Projected value of £1 billion by end of 2024
- 300% sector growth since 2021
- Over 20 leagues and teams participating
- Nine sports represented in the scheme
Recent Success Stories:
Deal |
Value/Impact |
|---|---|
| Barclays Women’s Super League | £45 million sponsorship |
| London City Lionesses | Acquired by Michelle Kang |
| The Hundred | Private investment process launching 2025 |
Strategic Support Framework
The scheme builds upon a successful 2023-24 pilot, offering participating organizations comprehensive market insights, expert-led seminars, and networking opportunities.
Deloitte will collaborate with the Department for Business and Trade to deliver the program, which aims to create sustainable growth pathways for women’s sports organizations.
“The UK is already an elite home of women’s sport, and my goal is to make us the top destination for women’s sport investment,”
stated Minister Gustafsson, highlighting the government’s commitment following their £63 billion International Investment Summit success.
Elite sports represented in the 2024-25 Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator:
Sport |
Category |
|---|---|
| 1. Football | Team |
| 2. Cricket | Team |
| 3. Rugby Union | Team |
| 4. Rugby League | Team |
| 5. Tennis | Individual |
| 6. Golf | Individual |
| 7. Netball | Team |
| 8. Volleyball | Team |
| 9. Cycling | Individual/Team |
The Takeaway
The initiative complements existing government support, including the £30 million Lionesses Future Fund and £12 million for women’s rugby development.
Beth Barrett-Wild, ECB Director of Women’s Professional Game, emphasized the scheme’s potential to
“power conversations and connections between rights holders, investors, and commercial partners.”
For more information about the Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator scheme and upcoming opportunities, visit the Department for Business and Trade’s official website at www.gov.uk/dbt/women-sport-investment.
Sources: THX News, Department for Business and Trade, Poppy Gustafsson OBE & Stephanie Peacock MP
