Football in Switzerland surpasses other regions
The Women's Euros 2025 is set to be a historic event, marking significant progress in women's football. With a compact tournament featuring 16 teams and ticket prices ranging from 25 to 90 Swiss francs (approximately 23 to 85 euros), the tournament is both accessible and manageable for fans across Europe.
One of the most inspiring figures in the German women's football team is captain Giulia Gwinn. Despite not initially being included on a list to play football as a child due to her gender, Gwinn has risen through the ranks to become one of the world's best defenders. She aims to maintain a balance between discipline, focus, and a carefree attitude as the team prepares for the tournament.
The current state of women's football is showing significant advancements in respect, talent promotion, and financial sustainability. UEFA has more than doubled the prize money for Women's Euro 2025 to a record €41 million, a testament to the growing value and status of the women's game at major tournaments. For the first time, players will receive a guaranteed share of this prize money, signalling a move towards honoring the contributions of female players more fairly.
The Women's Euro 2025 is breaking records, with 600,000 tickets sold and projected revenues of €128 million. This growth in popularity is also being reflected in financial rewards for clubs releasing players for national team duty, with funding doubling from €4.5 million in 2022 to €9 million for 2025. The professionalization of leagues, such as the Ligue Féminine de Football Professionnel in France, is improving governance, infrastructure, and player performance, contributing to better development and promotion of talent.
However, despite this progress, financial challenges persist, especially below the top tiers. Sustainable investment and attention are necessary for long-term stability. Broadcast revenue and commercial partnerships for top leagues like the Women's Super League (WSL) are increasing, supporting financial sustainability and attracting new fans. High-profile investments, such as from private owners in Chelsea Women and Everton Women, and infrastructure investments like stadium moves, show growing confidence in the women's game as a viable commercial entity.
UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have committed €1 billion towards women’s football development through 2030, a foundational step for financial growth and sustainability. However, UEFA is expected to spend more than €30 million on Euro 2025, indicating that while revenues and investment are growing, the women’s football ecosystem is still in an important developmental phase.
As the Women's Euros kicks off this Wednesday, it retains its charming, provincial character, with eight venues reachable by Switzerland's well-functioning public transport, and ticket holders travelling for free. The first German venue for the tournament, St. Gallen, has a population of 76,000 inhabitants.
The current German women's football team is aiming to win their ninth European Championship title. Many of the players in the squad are not able to make a living from their salary, with many of them being students. Nevertheless, they are openly discussing various topics, including their sexual orientation, and this is met with little controversy.
The path to full financial sustainability and consistent global growth requires ongoing strategic investment, improved governance, and innovative fan engagement beyond marquee events. Making women's football a financially sustainable ecosystem requires more sponsorship, media, and fan support, which would require them to be willing to pay more.
In conclusion, the Women's Euros 2025 represents a significant leap forward for women's football, with enhanced respect, rising commercial scale, and better support for talent development. However, the journey towards full financial sustainability and consistent global growth is ongoing, requiring continued strategic investment, improved governance, and innovative fan engagement.
Football continues to make strides in Europe, with the Women's Euros 2025 being a prime example. The tournament, featuring various European leagues, offers an opportunity for fans to watch exciting matches, as seen in the German women's football team, captained by rising star Giulia Gwinn. Despite her humble beginnings, Gwinn has become one of the world's best defenders.
