The 2022 Women’s Euros, which is most watched edition of the tournament, has seen its media rights almost triple in value according to a post-tournament flash report into the positive impact and future legacy released by UEFA and the FA.
The 289% increase in the media rights value has shown how the professional game has grown off the back of the tournament, as does the 84% of spectators who say their perception of women’s football has improved.
The report says the tournament had a live global audience of 365 million people from 195 territories, while also generating 452 million social media interactions.
The report also shows operational success with a total match attendance of 574,875, with 110,555 of those attending from 104 countries other than the host nation, England.
Host cities received a boost of £81 million (AUD$142 million) to their local economy with 552,000 spectators travelling to games.
The tournament granted 400,000 new opportunities to women and girls to engage in football across the eight host cities, with 2 in 5 spectators and volunteers inspired to participate in the sport.
The social impact of the tournament is noted in the report with 74% of local residents stating they feel like the tournament led to their community growing closer.
Commenting on the report, UEFA chief of women’s football, Nadine Kessler, said: “This report confirms the positive impact UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 is still having long after the final whistle, and the historic legacy of this tournament.”
“We must now capitalize on these successes to continue advancing our game for girls and women, to secure further commitments to women’s footballs well as to showcase the benefits of hosting this tournament as the bidding process for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is underway,” she said.
UEFA 2022 board member and director of women’s football at the FA, Baroness Sue Campbell, added: “Our aim for this tournament was twofold: to deliver a record-breaking tournament and to leave a tangible legacy to grow the women’s game.”
“We saw records tumble over the summer and this report not only confirms that, but importantly highlights it’s incredible short-term legacy on growing the game.
“Fans have been inspired to play and support, with record attendances,” she said.
Attendance records were broken at 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros and continue to be broken in the Women’s Super League, with Arsenal having met Tottenham in front of a record 47,367 fans at Emirates Stadium.
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