Overview
FIFA has unveiled the third edition of 'Setting the Pace', the only global women’s football benchmarking report that offers unparalleled insights into the factors driving success in women's football clubs and leagues worldwide. The publication provides an opportune moment to spotlight the extraordinary growth and development in elite women's football.
This year's edition has been enriched with data from 34 of the top women's football leagues (up from 30 leagues in previous editions). The report boasts participation from 316 clubs, making it a comprehensive analysis with global trends and local statistics across diverse leagues representing the six confederations.
The third edition of "Setting the Pace" features vital insights across five key areas:
Sporting
Governance
Finance
Fan Engagement
Players
Key findings
Of leagues required coaches to hold a Pro or A Licence, and 69% of clubs exceeded these requirements by holding an A Licence or above.
Of clubs had academies that include girls, with an average number of 78 girls in each academy
Of leagues have adopted club licensing systems, up from 66% in the previous edition
Leagues with dedicated commercial strategies reported substantially higher commercial revenues, averaging USD 2.7 million, compared to those without (USD 1.1 million)
Of clubs and 56% of leagues have staff members overseeing safeguarding matters and policies
Average broadcast revenue generated by clubs has surpassed USD 100,000 for the first time
Average attendance across the surveyed leagues grew by around 12% since the previous edition, reaching 1,127 in the 2021-2022 season
Of all clubs offered a women's team season ticket (either for the women’s team only or alongside the affiliated men’s team)
The median player contract length ranged from 1-1.5 years, with 34% having contracts less than 12 months. The average salary paid per player across all clubs increased year-on-year from USD 14,000 to USD 16,825.
Of clubs provide some form of support for players pursuing or sustaining dual careers
MA Participation
FIFA surveyed top-tier women’s football leagues/MAs and their member clubs, asking questions on a range of topics, to provide a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the elite women’s football landscape.
The findings of this report are categorised into five sections:
With millions of women and girls passionately involved in the sport, it is imperative that we strengthen the foundations upon which it stands.
Previous Reports
Setting the Pace: FIFA Benchmarking Report Women’s Football (2nd Edition)
The second edition of the report provides further insights into the factors that drive success in leagues and at clubs. It highlights different regulatory environments, approaches to broadcast rights and sponsorship negotiations.