In the 2020-21 season, diversified sources of income such as match day income, broadcasting rights income and commercial income form the main economic pillars of the club in the revenue structure of the Chinese women's soccer club.
According to the analysis, commercial revenues continue to dominate, accounting for 56% of the total, showing the huge potential for brand sponsorship and market development. Over the course of the season, commercial revenues for women's soccer clubs around the globe increased by a whopping 33% year-on-year to a staggering $2.3 million.
Notably, investment in marketing showed a positive correlation with growth in commercial revenue. Those clubs that invested more than $100,000 in marketing had commercial revenues that averaged $1.1 million, well ahead of clubs that invested less.
In addition, the number of sponsors for women's soccer clubs during the season has been on the rise, with an average of nine sponsors per club. However, this figure is not universal, with some clubs with a higher profile attracting more sponsor attention.
90% of leagues have a strategic plan in place for the 2020-21 season, which FIFA has rated highly. A well-developed strategic plan helps clubs establish a clear vision for growth, inspire athletes and advance the sport of women's soccer. Clubs with a strategic plan earned an average of $395,000, compared to $343,000 for clubs without a strategic plan.
In terms of revenue streams, broadcast rights revenue and tournament day revenue were the second largest sources of income for the women's soccer club. During the season, broadcast rights revenue increased by 22% year-on-year to $660,000, while tournament day revenue increased by 260% to $870,000, and tournament prize money revenue grew from an average of $0.03 million to $20,000.
At the women's soccer league level, the number of title sponsors for the 2020-21 season reached 77%, showing corporate interest and support for the sport. Meanwhile, the league's average revenue has grown to $2.502 million from $1.848 million in the 2019-2020 season.
Overall, Chinese women's soccer clubs have made remarkable progress in the 2020-21 season, with a more diversified revenue structure and improving market development capability. In the future development, women's soccer clubs should continue to strengthen marketing and expand sponsorship channels to contribute to the promotion of women's soccer.
