Prominent women's sports leagues in the United States and Canada

The PHF itself disbanded after its 2022–23 season; it was purchased by a group led by investor Mark Walter and tennis great Billie Jean King, which announced the establishment of the new Professional Women's Hockey League.

[citation needed] Players who have represented their national teams at junior or senior levels showcase their talent on an international stage.

Success in international competitions like the World Cup or Olympics can elevate a player's profile and indicate their ability to perform under pressure.

In addition to the terminology differences, women's gridiron football in North America has been gaining popularity and recognition over the years.

[33] Game 1 of the 2011 WNBA Finals on October 2, 2011, took place at the Target Center in Minneapolis and attracted 15,258 supporters when the Minnesota Lynx scored an 88–74 victory over the Atlanta Dream.

[36] In 2024, the WNBA saw major increases in attendance and media interest, coinciding with the arrival of several prominent rookies, most notably Caitlin Clark.

[37] On May 30, 2024, WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart announced the launch of a new league, Unrivaled, which started play in January 2025.

Unrivaled is explicitly intended to give WNBA players a domestic option for professional play during the traditional basketball season.

The league also has several high-profile investors, among them soccer stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, former NBA greats Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash, former golf star Michelle Wie West, actor Ashton Kutcher, and iconic women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

A Chicago Red Stars and Bay FC match at Wrigley Field set a single-game attendance record of 35,038.

It is a pro-am (professional–amateur) women's soccer league in the United States which combines both professional career athletes and amateurs in competition.

[63] In Canada, ringette is one of the most popular sports played by females and the country regularly records the highest number of annual registrations among all participating nations.

The beginning of the league's was marked by two things: low attendance (2009: 4,684, 2010: 3,588[71] and 2011: 3,518 [72]), and problems with (ex-Freedom) magicJack owner Dan Borislow.

[76] On January 30, 2012, the WPS announced suspension of operations for the 2012 season, citing several internal organization struggles as the primary cause.

[77] Some of these issues included an ongoing legal battle with magicJack owner Dan Borislow and the lack of resources invested into the league.

There were 14,832 supporters who attended its inaugural match in 2009 at the Home Depot Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson, California on March 29, 2009.

In the 2017–18 season, the CWHL grew to seven teams: two in the Greater Toronto Area, Les Canadiennes de Montreal, the Calgary Inferno, the Worcester Blades, and the Chinese Kunlun Red Star WIH and Vanke Rays.

The Chinese teams served to jump-start that nation's development in women's hockey, as the country is set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

[8] The CWHL allowed elite level players to play after college and continue to work toward Olympic and national team success.

[8] Apart from ice rink time, hotels, transportation (mostly by bus[84]), and some items covered by the league, players paid for all other expenses related to playing at this level (equipment, training, insurance, health services, etc.

[90][89] In 2017, the league began paying the players a stipend up to $10,000 per season,[8] reportedly coming from the increased revenue through the China expansion,[91] while maintaining its amateur registration.

The league was started by former Utah State University softball player, Jane Cowles and her collegiate coach, John Horan in February 1989.

In 1986 and 1987 the United States women's national softball team won gold medals in the Pan American Games.

Eight years later in 1997, the Cowles family and AT&T Wireless Services launched the Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) league.

The Women's Professional Softball League (WPSL) was founded in 1997 and ran until 2001, lasting four seasons before lack of funds, high travel costs and inadequate facilities led to its closure.

In 2004 a new season began within six markets: Stockton, California; Tucson, Arizona; Houston, Texas; Akron, Ohio; Lowell, Massachusetts; Montclair, New Jersey.

In 2006, the Philadelphia Force, the Connecticut Brakettes, the Chicago Bandits, and the New England Riptide joined the league, expanding the season, and competition.

In 2009, after winning a silver medal, several Olympians returned to the NPF: Monica Abbott for Washington, Jennie Finch for Chicago, and Cat Osterman for Rockford.

four teams that participate in 50 regular season games: Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Florida Pride and Tennessee Diamonds.

The NPF played against the 2009 NCAA Champions the Washington Huskies to a crowd of 3,000 at the home of the Seattle Mariners, in a game which ended in a 1–0 score.

All-American Girls Professional Baseball League members performing calisthenics in Opa-locka, Florida , on April 22, 1948. The different baseball clubs are (L-R): Fort Wayne Daisies (partially visible), Chicago Colleens , Rockford Peaches , South Bend Blue Sox , Springfield Sallies and Peoria Redwings .
Chicago Red Stars and Bay FC playing a soccer match at Wrigley Field.
A Chicago Red Stars and Bay FC match at Wrigley Field set a single-game attendance record of 35,038.
Sabrina Ionescu as MVP of the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game .
Jennifer Welter is a pioneering figure in women's football, particularly in the realm of tackle football.
Valerie Still pioneering figure in women's basketball, known for her contributions to early professional leagues like the Women's Pro Basketball League and the Women's Basketball Association .
Doris Burke sports journalist and broadcaster renowned for her insightful analysis of basketball, particularly the NBA and WNBA.
Sue Bird , a highly decorated player who played her entire career with the Seattle Storm , known for her leadership and clutch performances.
Hilary Knight ice hockey forward known for her scoring and leadership, representing Team USA and playing a prominent role in women's professional hockey leagues.
The Boston Pride celebrating their first Isobel Cup win in 2016.
Washington Freedom players and coaches pose with the Founders Cup at RFK Stadium after winning the 2003 WUSA championship
Julie Ertz (then known as Johnston; left) with the Chicago Red Stars during a match against Houston Dash on July 26, 2014
Christine Sinclair legendary Canadian forward, brings experience and goal-scoring prowess to the Portland Thorns FC .
While primarily recognized for her achievements in international and collegiate softball, Jessica Mendoza 's influence extended to professional softball. She played a significant role in advancing the visibility of the sport and is now a prominent sports broadcaster.
Lonestar Rollergirls in Austin, Texas, play on a banked track (2011). Cherry Bombs (Green) vs Rhinestone Cowgirls (Red) on August 27, 2011, in Austin, Texas.
National Ringette League game in 2012
On April 13 the Atlantic Attack win the silver medal at the 2019 Canadian Ringette Championship in Charlottetown , P.E.I.
Women's Professional Soccer All-Star team in 2009
Alex Morgan American forward known for her speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess. Morgan has been a key player for the US Women's National Team (USWNT) and has also made significant contributions in professional club leagues.
Caroline Ouellette with Clarkson Cup on March 27, 2011
Game between the Toronto Furies and Montreal Stars
Monica Abbott pitcher, known for her incredible speed and dominance on the mound.
Cat Osterman pitcher known for her left-handed prowess and multiple accolades in the sport.
Kelly Kretschman Outfielder, known for her consistent hitting.