A new study by the Women’s Sports Trust has indicated that women’s sport in the United Kingdom (UK) could generate £1 billion (AUD$1.8 billion) a year by 2030.

The study, titled “closing the visibility gap”, forecasts the annual rate women’s sport currently generates will triple in just under 10 years, yet the report highlights the sport industry has “underinvested” in making female athletes visible, limiting the ability of rights owners to capitalise.

The results showed two-thirds of UK sport fans follow some form of women’s sport, although only 25% do actively, whilst it was noted that more than half the revenue is generated by football and tennis.

Women’s Sport Trust chief executive and co-founder, Tammy Parlour, said despite the positives, there is still a number of sectors where women’s sport can improve.

“Women’s sport has been on a strong growth trajectory,” Parlour said.

“However, most sport played by elite female athletes still has a long way to go until it becomes commercially viable.

“To achieve long-lasting change, and for women’s sport to occupy a central role in our culture in the UK, the sports industry must widely recognise a social responsibility to building sport for all, and practically connect a vision for women’s sport to long-term commercial profit.

“We hope this research can play a role in supporting all sport industry stakeholders in this endeavour, helping present female athletes and teams in ways that resonate with fans, create meaningful interactions for partners, and build success for women’s sport overall.

“We believe the next decade will be a gamechanger for women’s sport and with some concerted focus on key areas such as visibility and data we can ensure it is not only commercially viable but sustainable for decades to come,” she said.