Deloitte has partnered with sports icon and leadership pioneer Billie Jean King to help shape the future of women’s sports by strengthening the pathways, infrastructure and leadership pipeline supporting the next generation of leaders.
King and Lara Abrash, chair of Deloitte US, announced the collaboration on stage at the “Power of Women’s Sports Summit” in New York City. The event was produced by Billie Jean King Enterprises to support the Billie Jean King Cup, the “World Cup of Tennis.”
Women’s sports revenue and media coverage are growing
Global revenue in women’s sports is projected to reach $3 billion in 2026. Media coverage has also increased to 15% of all sports coverage, up from roughly 3%–5.5% in just a few years.
The value of sports extends well beyond competition. In a 2023 Deloitte survey, 85% of women who played sports said the skills they developed through sport were important to their career success. That figure rose to 91% among women in leadership roles.
Leadership pipeline faces infrastructure gaps
However, the infrastructure supporting women’s sports has not kept pace, leaving leadership potential and economic value on the sidelines.
Research by the Women’s Sports Foundation found that girls drop out of sports at nearly twice the rate of boys, with close to half leaving during adolescence, around ages 13 to 14. Although women coached 90% of women’s teams in 1972, they coach only about 41% today. Each dropout can reduce the pipeline of women who go on to become leaders.
Deloitte brings together people and opportunities that can help women’s sports develop future leaders. King has spent her career opening doors and creating opportunities for those who follow. Through the partnership, the organizations aim to turn the current momentum into meaningful growth for tomorrow’s leaders while advancing the commercial future of women’s sports.
