Sports Teams and Clubs NAICS 711211

Nov 4, 2025 - NWSL Attendance Declined in 2025 Season

• According to reporting in the Sports Business Journal, the National Women's Soccer League’s 2025 regular season closed with average attendance of 10,669 across 182 games, down 5% from last year’s record but steady with 2023. The NWSL's attendance mirrors a similar 5% decline in MLS attendance, signaling broader headwinds for US sports teams and clubs amid shifting fan engagement. While eight of 14 NWSL teams saw year-over-year declines, including five in double digits, clubs like North Carolina Courage (+21%), Orlando Pride (+15%), and Washington Spirit (+9%) posted gains. Portland Thorns FC led the league with 18,173 fans per match, while Bay FC set a single-game record with 40,091 attendees. However, the Wave saw a steep 26% drop, possibly linked to market saturation and star player retirement. The mixed results underscore the need for clubs to invest in fan experience, community engagement, and strategic scheduling to sustain attendance growth.
• Revenue for spectator sports, including sports teams and clubs, decreased 0.7% in Q2 2025 year over year and was up 16.9% compared to the previous quarter, according to data from the Census Bureau. Employment by sports teams and clubs increased 7.5% in July 2025 compared to a year ago, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment by sports teams and clubs has grown 31.1% over the past 10 years, faster than the 13% growth in overall private employment. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees at spectator sports fell 1.4% in July 2025 year over year, to $25.94 per hour.

• A new CNBC report shows that the average NFL franchise is worth $7.65 billion, up 18% from last year, with 11 teams valued at $8 billion or more. The most valuable team was the Dallas Cowboys, worth $12.5 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Rams, valued at $10.7 billion. According to the report, NFL team owners have been capitalizing on the league’s popularity by selling stakes to limited partners. The NFL opened up the league to investments by private equity firms following a rule change in 2024, and three investments in NFL teams by private equity firms have occurred since then. Average team revenue during the 2024 season per CNBC calculations was $687 million in 2024, up 7.3% from the previous year.
• The WNBA announced three new expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in next few years, bringing the league’s total to 18 by 2030, according to CNN. The new women’s professional basketball team in Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. The league said the new cities were chosen based on several factors including an analysis of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, and potential for significant fan, media, corporate, and regional support. The WNBA also announced expansion teams in Portland and Toronto in 2024, with both expected to begin playing in 2026. According to a statement from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.”