An Olympic Feminineoem
Togethxr, a trailblazing brand launched by Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim, has achieved a remarkable $3 million in sales with its “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports'' merchandise. This success reflects a broader trend: 2024 has been a landmark year for women’s sports, marked by a significant surge in both viewership and revenue.
The WNBA has led the charge, setting and breaking attendance and viewership records. Notably, the 2024 WNBA Draft captivated 2.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched draft in the league’s history. Much of this interest can be credited to the “Caitlin Clark effect.” Clark’s record-setting performances in collegiate basketball and her highly anticipated WNBA debut, along with her role in the NCAA college championship game, have drawn legions of new fans to women’s basketball.
Women’s rugby has also experienced a boost in popularity, particularly with the US women’s team capturing its first-ever Olympic medal—a bronze—at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This achievement was highlighted by the presence of TikTok star Ilona Maher, who has garnered a massive following for her empowering videos on women’s body standards and body positivity. Maher’s influence has even converted those who had never considered watching women’s rugby, bringing newfound excitement to the sport.
Several female athletes have solidified their legendary status at these Olympics. Simone Biles has further cemented her legacy as the GOAT by winning gold, becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history. Katie Ledecky has also reinforced her position as one of the greatest swimmers of all time with her outstanding performances.
The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) set record-breaking viewership numbers, with 9 million people tuning in to watch the Gold medal final between the US and Brazil—the most-watched gold medal game since the 2004 Olympics. Additionally, the US women’s basketball final against France drew an impressive 10.9 million viewers, contributing to a total of over 19 million people watching the final matches for both events.
This year’s Olympics have undeniably been a milestone in the history of women’s sports, showcasing the power, talent, and growing influence of female athletes on a global stage.
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