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15 Highest Revenue-Generating Women’s College Sports Programs In The U.S.

By CM Chaney · April 18, 2024

15 Most Lucrative Women's College Sports Programs In The U.S.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia tops the list of the highest revenue-generating women's collegiate sports programs in the U.S., according to data from the Department of Education.

In the 2021-2022 season, South Carolina's women's programs collectively earned $9.5 million, leading the pack of 17,644 institutions tracked. The DOE reports that schools generated a total of $4.7 billion in revenue from women's sports, compared to $11.9 billion for men's programs.

These are the 15 highest revenue-generating women's college sports programs in America.  Wikimedia/John Mac

1. University of South Carolina- Columbia - $9,537,698

The University of South Carolina-Columbia's women's athletic department has set a new benchmark for success, generating a nation-leading $9,537,698 in revenue during the 2021-22 season.

This outstanding accomplishment showcases the department's ability to engage fans, secure sponsorships, and attract media coverage, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in women's collegiate sports.

The achievement not only highlights the talent and dedication of the student-athletes and staff but also underscores the growing prominence and value of women's sports in the U.S.  

2. University of Connecticut - $8,519,682

The University of Connecticut's women's athletic department demonstrated its continued excellence by generating $8,519,682 in revenue during the 2021-22 season, securing the second-highest spot in the nation.

This impressive achievement underscores the department's long-standing tradition of success, both on and off the field.

UConn's ability to attract a devoted fan base, secure lucrative sponsorships, and maintain a strong media presence has solidified its position as one of the most successful women's collegiate sports programs in the country.  Wikimedia/John Mac

3. Stanford University - $8,049,798

Stanford University's women's athletic department continued to excel in the 2021-22 season, generating $8,049,798 in revenue and securing the third-highest spot in the nation.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the department's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, both in competition and in its ability to engage supporters.

Stanford's success in attracting fans, securing sponsorships, and maintaining a strong media presence has cemented its position as one of the premier women's collegiate sports programs in the U.S.  Wikimedia/HuntingtonPHOTOS

4. Vanderbilt University - $7,990,789

Vanderbilt University's women's athletic department demonstrated its prowess by generating $7,990,789 in revenue during the 2021-22 season, clinching the fourth-highest spot in the nation.

This impressive feat showcases the department's dedication to cultivating a thriving and successful sports program that resonates with fans and sponsors alike.

Vanderbilt's ability to consistently produce top-tier performances, coupled with its strong brand presence, has solidified its position as one of the leading women's collegiate sports programs in the country.  Instagram/vandywtennis

5. Texas Christian University - $7,104,907

Texas Christian University's women's athletic department made a strong showing in the 2021-22 season, generating $7,104,907 in revenue and securing the fifth-highest spot in the nation.

This noteworthy achievement highlights the department's growing success in fostering a competitive and engaging sports program that appeals to fans and sponsors.

TCU's rise in the rankings demonstrates its commitment to investing in and promoting women's athletics, solidifying its position as an emerging powerhouse in collegiate sports.  Instagram/tcuwbb

6. Purdue University - $7,008,122

Purdue University's women's athletic department continued to make strides in the 2021-22 season, generating an impressive $7,008,122 in revenue and securing the sixth-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement underscores the department's dedication to building a robust and successful sports program that captivates fans and attracts sponsors.

Purdue's consistent growth and strong performance across various women's sports have positioned it as a rising force in collegiate athletics, setting the stage for future success.  Instagram/purduewgolf

7. University of Louisville - $6,914,744

The University of Louisville's women's athletic department demonstrated its strength and resilience in the 2021-22 season, generating a remarkable $6,914,744 in revenue and securing the seventh-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement is a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.

Louisville's ability to cultivate a passionate fan base, attract valuable sponsorships, and maintain a strong media presence has solidified its position as a leading contender in women's collegiate sports.  Wikimedia/John Mac

8. Rutgers University - $6,848,945

Rutgers University's women's athletic department showcased its growing prominence in the 2021-22 season, generating an impressive $6,848,945 in revenue and securing the eighth-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement highlights the department's successful efforts in building a competitive and engaging sports program that resonates with fans and sponsors alike.

Rutgers' strong performance across various women's sports and its ability to cultivate a loyal fan base have positioned it as a rising power in collegiate athletics.  Wikimedia/Lorie Shaull

9. Baylor University - $6,335,907

Baylor University's women's athletic department continued to shine in the 2021-22 season, generating a substantial $6,335,907 in revenue and securing the ninth-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement is a reflection of the department's dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and success across its women's sports programs.

Baylor's ability to attract passionate fans, secure valuable sponsorships, and maintain a strong competitive presence has solidified its position as one of the top-performing women's collegiate athletic departments in the country.  Wikimedia/Alexander Jonesi

10. University of Miami (Fla.) - $6,162,525

The University of Miami (Fla.)'s women's athletic department reached a significant milestone in the 2021-22 season, generating an impressive $6,162,525 in revenue and securing the 10th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement showcases the department's commitment to building a thriving and competitive sports program that captivates fans and attracts sponsors.

Miami's success in fostering a strong brand presence and consistently producing top-tier performances has cemented its position as a major player in women's collegiate athletics.  Instagram/caneswbb

11. University of Virginia - $5,843,060

The University of Virginia's women's athletic department continued to demonstrate its prowess in the 2021-22 season, generating a notable $5,843,060 in revenue and securing the 11th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement underscores the department's ongoing efforts to cultivate a robust and successful sports program that engages fans and attracts sponsors.

Virginia's consistent performance and strong brand identity have positioned it as a formidable contender in women's collegiate athletics, setting the stage for continued growth and success.  Instagram/uvawomenslax

12. University of Southern California (USC) - $5,687,731

The University of Southern California (USC)'s women's athletic department showcased its strength in the 2021-22 season, generating an impressive $5,687,731 in revenue and securing the 12th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement highlights the department's dedication to fostering a competitive and engaging sports program that resonates with fans and sponsors alike.

USC's iconic brand and consistent success across various women's sports have solidified its position as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, underlining its commitment to excellence.  Instagram/uscwomensvolley

13. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) - $5,635,343

The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)'s women's athletic department continued to excel in the 2021-22 season, generating a substantial $5,635,343 in revenue and securing the 13th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement is a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to cultivating a thriving and successful sports program that captivates fans and attracts sponsors.

UCLA's rich athletics history, coupled with its strong performances across various women's sports, has cemented its position as a leader in collegiate athletics.  Instagram/uclawsoccer

14. Mississippi State University - $5,409,662

Mississippi State University's women's athletic department made significant strides in the 2021-22 season, generating an impressive $5,409,662 in revenue and securing the 14th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement showcases the department's successful efforts in building a competitive and engaging sports program that resonates with fans and attracts sponsors.

Mississippi State's growing prominence in women's collegiate athletics, coupled with its strong performances across various sports, has positioned it as a rising force in the SEC and beyond.  Instagram/hailstatewbk

15. University of Notre Dame - $5,330,018

The University of Notre Dame's women's athletic department demonstrated its continued strength in the 2021-22 season, generating a notable $5,330,018 in revenue and securing the 15th-highest spot in the nation.

This achievement underscores the department's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and success across its women's sports programs.

Notre Dame's iconic brand, coupled with its ability to attract passionate fans and secure valuable sponsorships, has solidified its position as a premier destination for women's collegiate athletics.

(This content was created with the help of AI, and edited by a human.)  Instagram/ndwsoccer