Why Women Soccer Leagues Are Not As Popular

Women’s soccer has for a long time been unsuccessful. Society shows low interest in women’s soccer, and the media rarely publicize it. It attracts tiny crowds, has fewer sponsors, and generates less profit than men’s soccer.

It’s also evident in most Champions League betting that men’s teams dominate. But why is women’s soccer unpopular?

This article outlines the reasons ‌women’s soccer leagues are not popular.

1. Gender Perceptions

Despite present-day progress, discrimination based on gender identity still exists. The mentality that women do not have the skills to play soccer makes it harder for them to succeed. 

Women in society are ‌considered weak and slow. Their football lacks aggression, while men’s soccer is fast and entertaining.

Society encourages boys to play football while they discourage girls from playing football. For this reason, boys have sharp skills in the game and have more speed than women. 

Women get limited opportunities in soccer. Fewer opportunities make it more challenging for women to get involved in the sport.

2. Low Pay

Low pay in women’s soccer makes it impossible for talented women to earn through soccer. Compared to men, it’s much harder for women to get to the upper ranks of bonuses in sports.

The salary difference between women and men shows how women’s soccer is low-rated. Men’s soccer attracts many sponsors. Women have fewer sponsors leading to inadequate funding for the women’s league.

Women’s soccer leagues cannot afford to pay the players enough money with no funds. Most women end up quitting and losing interest in the match.

3. Culture/Religion

Most cultures believe that soccer is not an honorable activity for women. Some cultures prohibit women from joining any sport, citing the role of women in society.

For instance, in the Gulf countries, women face many challenges. One challenge is matters related to religion and culture. The involvement in sports for women in Gulf countries is low because of those challenges.

Issues with clothing in some cultures affect women’s participation in soccer. For example, in some cultures, women can’t wear sports costumes as it’s against the rules of their religion. 

4. Limited Facilities

Low access to playing facilities makes it difficult for women to engage in soccer. Compared to men, the ‌facilities for women’s venues are not of good quality and are rare.

The unavailability of trained coaches is another problem. Available coaches show more interest in men’s programs since they have money for training.

Equipment such as uniforms in women’s programs is few. There are no sponsors to fund them, leading to low growth and popularity of women’s soccer.

5. Lack Of Media Coverage

Media coverage increases the popularity and participation of sporting activities. By covering matches and events, fans get more involved with sports.

It’s rare to see women’s soccer broadcast, especially live-on-air. Women’s soccer is less valued and underrepresented. It attracts a few fans, and only passers-by will notice an ongoing match.

Only a few media houses broadcast women’s soccer. It’s rare to find women’s soccer publicized or published in newspapers. 

6. Lack Of Role Models In Women’s Soccer

In men’s soccer, Lionel Messi and Christiano Leonardo are role models. Very few women in soccer have been successful in being role models for other women.

The lack of a relevant role model in women’s soccer is an enormous obstacle. It reduces the success and popularity of women’s soccer.

 If no women soccer role models or woman decision-makers are in the industry, there will not be equal opportunities between men and women. Men’s soccer will consistently be recognized and given more priority.

Verdi

Women’s soccer is no doubt unpopular. Women’s soccer leagues face many challenges. Among them is a lack of funding and a negative societal view of women’s soccer.

Poor governance by women’s soccer league organizations and the unavailability of women-friendly facilities are other factors that have crippled the popularity of women’s soccer.

There is little media coverage of women’s soccer, and very few stakeholders will promote it. Media and broadcasting stations show little to no interest in women’s soccer. 

Lack of publicity in women’s soccer keeps away sponsors. Sponsors play a significant role in league funding. Less publicity is a blow to women’s soccer. The fans are never aware of the presence of the games leading to low turn-out and low sales of tickets.