Record-Breaking Increase In Spending On Women's International Football Transfers

US women's Football team

A recent report released by FIFA has shed light on the significant increase in spending on women's international transfers during the mid-year window from June 1 to Sept. 1, 2024. The report reveals that a total of $6.8 million was invested in women's football transfers during this period, nearly double the amount spent in the same timeframe in 2023.

International transfers in women's football reached a new milestone with 1,125 transfers registered, marking a substantial 31.8% surge from the 829 transfers recorded at the corresponding point last year. The majority of these transfers involved out-of-contract players securing new deals with international clubs, with 939 players moving on free agency, while only 109 transfers required a fee.

The financial landscape of women's football transfers has undergone a significant transformation, with the total expenditure more than doubling since the previous year. The average amount clubs spent on each player has also seen a notable increase, with clubs now shelling out an average of $71,400 per transfer involving a fee. This marks a sharp rise from the $45,000 average in 2023 and $33,800 in 2022.

1,125 international transfers were registered, a 31.8% increase from the previous year.

Women's football transfers spending doubled to $6.8 million in 2024 mid-year window.

939 out-of-contract players secured new deals with international clubs.

The United States emerged as a prominent hub for incoming transfers, welcoming 128 new players. This surge can be attributed in part to the introduction of the United Soccer League (USL), which serves as a secondary league to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) but operates from autumn to summer, aligning with the international calendar.

The Women's Super League (WSL) witnessed 63 incoming transfers and 76 outgoing transfers, resulting in a total expenditure of $2.33 million and $1 million received in transfer fees. The proportion of transfers in women's professional football involving a fee is steadily rising and is now approaching 10% of the global total, as per the report.

Comparatively, men's football transfers saw a staggering $6.4 billion spent during the 2024 mid-season window, underscoring the continued growth and investment in the sport at both the men's and women's levels.