Sports Direct Women’s Premiership sees 66% increase in crowds

The 2023 Sports Direct Northern Ireland Women’s Premiership saw a 66% increase on crowds from the previous season.

The 2023 Sports Direct Northern Ireland Women’s Premiership saw a 66% increase on crowds from the previous season.

Over 15,000 supporters flocked to Sports Direct Women’s Premiership games throughout the past season (up 66% on the 2022 season) to watch their teams live as Glentoran emerged as champions during a tense title battle with rivals Cliftonville.

It was a record-breaking campaign with the average match attendance increasing by 22% from the 2022 edition which included the highest attended Women’s Premiership match on record since the formation of the league in 2016, as 868 fans enjoyed the battle of the top two clubs at Solitude in June.

Ian Forrester, NIFL Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re naturally delighted with the success of a memorable season in the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership, the quality and commitment on show has caught the imagination of fans, who we thank wholeheartedly for their loyal support all year!”

“There’s never been a better time to be involved within female football in NI, as our leagues go from strength to strength – we’d encourage everyone to join us on the journey as we start building for next season.”

Interest in the league has never been higher both locally and across the world with video content from the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership amassing a staggering 1.67 million views across the popular NIFL social media channels – a 190% increase on the 2022 season!

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