Betting on Women's Sports: Exploring Your Options and Top Leagues to Follow
The landscape of sports betting is rapidly changing, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of women's sports as a viable—and often profitable—betting market. From packed stadiums at the FIFA Women's World Cup to record-breaking TV audiences for the WNBA, women's leagues are drawing unprecedented attention and offering new opportunities for both seasoned and novice bettors. But what exactly are the options for betting on women's sports, and which leagues are worth your time and research? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fast-growing world of women's sports betting, highlight the most popular leagues and events, and provide actionable insights on where and how to get started.
The Rise of Women's Sports in the Betting World
Historically, women’s sports have been underrepresented in both media coverage and betting markets. However, the last decade has seen a dramatic shift. According to a Nielsen Sports report, global interest in women's sports increased by 31% between 2018 and 2022. In fact, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup broke viewership records, with an estimated 2 billion people tuning in—nearly double the audience from the 2019 tournament.
Sportsbooks have taken note. Today, more than 70% of major online betting platforms offer markets on women’s sports, up from just 46% in 2015 (Sports Betting Index, 2023). This surge is driven not only by increased interest but also by the growing quality, competitiveness, and visibility of women’s leagues worldwide. For bettors, this means more games to analyze, more betting options, and potentially greater value due to less mature markets.
Popular Women's Sports for Betting: Key Options
Women’s sports now offer a wide array of betting opportunities, mirroring the diversity found in men’s leagues. Here are some of the most popular and widely available options:
- $1 The FIFA Women's World Cup, UEFA Women's Champions League, and domestic leagues such as England’s FA Women’s Super League (WSL) and the U.S.-based National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) consistently draw high betting volumes. - $1 The WNBA in the United States and EuroLeague Women in Europe are the top competitions. The WNBA, in particular, saw a 270% increase in betting handle between 2020 and 2023, according to DraftKings. - $1 Both the WTA Tour and Grand Slam events (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) feature women’s draws that are just as popular for betting as their male counterparts. - $1 The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia and The Hundred (Women's) in the UK offer regular matchups and in-play betting options. - $1 Volleyball, handball, golf (LPGA Tour), and mixed martial arts (UFC women's divisions) are also growing in popularity among bettors.From outright winner bets to live in-play wagering, prop bets, and futures, the breadth of markets is expanding. Certain sportsbooks even offer fantasy sports and daily fantasy contests exclusively for women’s leagues.
Top Women’s Leagues and Events to Watch (and Bet On)
With so many leagues and tournaments now accessible, knowing where to focus your attention is key. Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent women’s sports leagues and events for betting:
| League/Event | Sport | Region | Season/Timing | Why Bet? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA Women's World Cup | Soccer | Global | Every 4 years | High visibility, global participation, deep markets |
| WNBA | Basketball | USA | May–September | Rising TV ratings, competitive parity, live props |
| FA Women’s Super League | Soccer | England | September–May | Top international talent, regular fixtures |
| WTA Tour | Tennis | Global | Year-round | Individual matchups, frequent tournaments |
| Women’s Big Bash League | Cricket | Australia | October–December | Fast-paced, unique betting props |
| LPGA Tour | Golf | Global | February–November | Large fields, high variance, value odds |
These leagues not only attract large audiences but also offer rich statistical data for bettors to analyze. For example, the 2023 WNBA Finals averaged 728,000 viewers per game—up 36% from 2022—and featured a record number of betting markets per game, including player props and team totals.
Types of Bets Available in Women's Sports
The betting options in women’s sports are as diverse as the competitions themselves. Here are some of the most common bet types you’ll encounter:
- $1 Simply pick the winner of the game or match. This is the most straightforward option and is available in all major sports. - $1 Especially popular in basketball and soccer, spreads level the playing field between favorites and underdogs. For instance, a WNBA game might have the Las Vegas Aces at -6.5 points versus the New York Liberty. - $1 Wager on whether the total points, goals, or runs in a contest will be over or under a sportsbook’s set line. - $1 Bet on the outcome of a league or tournament well in advance, such as which team will win the FIFA Women’s World Cup or who will be the WNBA MVP. - $1 Increasingly popular, these bets focus on individual athlete performances, like the number of goals a striker will score or rebounds grabbed by a basketball player. - $1 As the match unfolds, odds and markets update in real time, allowing for dynamic wagers based on momentum swings and in-game events. - $1 Some sportsbooks offer novelty markets, such as the number of aces in a women’s tennis match or whether a soccer match will feature a penalty shootout.It’s worth noting that women’s sports markets can sometimes feature higher odds volatility, given that the betting pools are smaller and lines may shift quickly in response to sharp action or breaking news.
Why Betting on Women's Sports Can Offer Unique Value
The relative newness of women’s sports betting markets can actually work to a bettor’s advantage. Here’s why:
1. $1 With fewer bettors and less information available compared to men’s leagues, sportsbooks are sometimes slower to adjust lines, which can create value opportunities for astute bettors who do their homework. 2. $1 Many women’s leagues, such as the WNBA and WSL, now provide detailed stats and analytics, empowering bettors to make data-driven decisions. 3. $1 Upsets are statistically more frequent in some women’s sports. For example, in the 2022 WTA tennis season, the lower-ranked player won 32% of all matches—up from 27% in 2017. 4. $1 As more fans tune in and bet, the “wisdom of crowds” effect makes it easier to track line movements and public sentiment, offering additional angles for analysis.Major sportsbooks like FanDuel and Bet365 report that handle (the total amount wagered) on women's events has doubled year-over-year since 2021, particularly around marquee events like the Women's World Cup and WNBA Playoffs.
How to Get Started: Tips for Betting on Women's Sports
If you’re new to betting on women’s sports or looking to expand your portfolio, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- $1 Follow official league websites, reputable sports news outlets, and social media for injury updates, team news, and form guides. - $1 Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks. Because women’s markets are less mature, there’s often more variation between bookmakers. - $1 Focus on one or two leagues—such as the WNBA or FA WSL—so you can build expertise and spot betting value early. - $1 Keep a record of your wagers and results. This helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and trends in your betting strategy. - $1 Many sportsbooks offer bonuses, free bets, or boosted odds to attract action on women’s sports, especially during major events.Remember, responsible gambling is key. Set a budget and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Betting on Women's Sports
The momentum behind women’s sports isn’t slowing down. Driven by increased investment, media coverage, and fan engagement, women’s leagues are becoming a mainstay of the global sports betting ecosystem. For those willing to do the research and embrace these emerging markets, the potential for exciting—and profitable—betting moments is greater than ever.
As the popularity of women’s sports continues to soar, so too will the quality and variety of betting options. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of women’s sports betting.
