Women's sport brought £55m boost to London in 2025

News imageGetty Images England women's rugby team celebrates a victory amidst falling gold confetti. In the centre, a player holds a gold trophy aloft with both hands. The teammates surrounding her wear white kits with Red Rose crests and winner's medals, cheering.Getty Images
The Women's Rugby World Cup final made up the lion's share of the economic boost

Major women's sporting events staged in London last year generated more than £54.7m for the capital's economy, according to analysis from City Hall.

The report found the Women's Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham was the biggest contributor, creating an economic impact of £48.5m.

The match, in which England beat Canada 33-13, attracted a sell-out crowd of 81,885 spectators, setting a world record attendance for a women's rugby match.

It also became the most-watched women's rugby union game on UK television, with a peak BBC audience of 5.8 million.

Women's tennis also returned to Queen's Club for the first time in more than 50 years in 2025. The HSBC Championships generated an estimated £6.26m for London's economy, with more than 60,000 spectators attending and a global broadcast audience of 32.4 million across more than 150 countries.

The report said London hosted 13 major women's sporting events during the year, watched by more than 223 million viewers worldwide.

Almost 2,000 women and girls took part in participation programmes linked to major finals.

The mayor said the growth of women's sport was bringing both economic and social benefits to London.

Sadiq Khan said: "London is the undisputed global capital for women's sport and our new report shows the significant boost it provides for our economy.

"From the thrilling Women's Rugby World Cup Final to historic return of women's tennis to the Queen's Club, 2025 was an amazing year for women's sport in the capital."

News imageGetty Images Eleven female cricket captains, wearing their respective national team kits, stand in a line on a purple stage for a group photograph. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy sits on a plinth in the centre. The London Eye and the River Thames are visible in the background under an overcast sky.Getty Images
London is hosting some ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches

The report also found that 89% of Londoners want the capital to continue hosting major sporting events in the future.

London is due to host key matches, including the final, of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the coming weeks.

The city is also preparing to host events including the Tour de France Femmes and EuroHockey Championships next year.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk