The world of women’s sports is constantly evolving, with new disciplines gaining popularity and reshaping the landscape of athletic competition. In 2025, the spotlight is on the top 10 emerging sports that are rapidly capturing the attention of female athletes and fans worldwide. These sports not only offer exciting opportunities for women to showcase their talent but also contribute to greater diversity and inclusion in the athletic community.
From adrenaline-fueled action to strategic team play, the top 10 emerging sports for women feature a variety of disciplines that cater to different skills and interests. Many of these sports have seen increased investment, improved infrastructure, and growing media coverage, fueling their rise on the global stage. They provide fresh avenues for young women to pursue professional careers and inspire future generations to get involved.
This surge in emerging sports is also driven by changing societal attitudes towards gender equality in athletics. Women are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible, gaining recognition and respect across these newer sporting fields. The top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025 exemplify this progress, highlighting sports where female participation is expanding rapidly and competitive standards are rising.
Whether it’s the fast-paced world of women’s rugby sevens, the thrilling circuits of drone racing, or the strategic complexity of eSports, these emerging sports offer something for every fan and athlete. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025 — spotlighting what makes each one unique, its growth potential, and key athletes who are paving the way.
Top 10 Emerging Sports for Women in 2025
10. Women’s Rugby Sevens
Women’s rugby sevens is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting entries in the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. This high-octane, fast-paced variant of traditional rugby features teams of seven players competing in short, intense matches. Its inclusion in the Olympics since 2016 has dramatically boosted its popularity and visibility worldwide. For women athletes, rugby sevens offers an electrifying blend of speed, strength, and strategy that appeals to both players and fans.
Countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the USA have established strong women’s rugby sevens programs, further driving the sport’s growth. National leagues and international tournaments are becoming more competitive and accessible, creating more professional opportunities for female players. The sport’s fast pace demands exceptional fitness and tactical awareness, encouraging athletes to develop a diverse skill set.
As part of the top 10 emerging sports for women, rugby sevens also benefits from increased media coverage and sponsorship, making it an appealing choice for young women considering a career in sports. Its global appeal and growing grassroots programs highlight the sport’s inclusivity and potential for long-term growth.
In 2025, women’s rugby sevens continues to break new ground, attracting a new generation of athletes and fans. Its exciting gameplay and growing professional infrastructure ensure that it remains a key player in the landscape of top 10 emerging sports for women worldwide.
| Stat | Women’s Rugby Sevens viewership increased by 38% globally from 2022 to 2025, according to World Rugby. |
9. Drone Racing
Drone racing is an innovative and rapidly growing sport, making it a standout among the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. Combining advanced technology with competitive excitement, drone racing challenges pilots to maneuver high-speed drones through complex courses, requiring precision, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking.
Women are increasingly taking part in this male-dominated sport, breaking barriers and gaining visibility through dedicated female leagues and competitions. The sport’s accessibility — with drones becoming more affordable and widespread — allows more women to get involved, from hobbyists to professional racers. Organizations are actively encouraging female participation through mentorship and training programs, highlighting drone racing as a future-forward sport in the top 10 emerging sports list.
The growing popularity of drone racing is also driven by the appeal of tech integration in sports, attracting younger audiences and sponsors interested in innovative entertainment. Live broadcasts and streaming events provide exciting platforms for showcasing women pilots’ skills, further elevating the sport’s profile.
As one of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025, drone racing is redefining what competitive sports can look like. Its unique blend of technology and athleticism creates new pathways for women athletes to shine and inspire others in this fast-evolving arena.
| Stat | Female participation in drone racing leagues grew by over 120% between 2021 and 2025, driven by youth and collegiate programs |
8. Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee stands out as a highly inclusive and rapidly expanding sport, making it a vital part of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. Known for its emphasis on sportsmanship through the “Spirit of the Game,” ultimate frisbee promotes fair play and self-refereeing, setting it apart from traditional sports.
The sport’s blend of endurance, agility, and teamwork appeals to women across age groups and skill levels. Its fast-paced, non-contact nature makes it accessible while still highly competitive at elite levels. Collegiate programs, amateur leagues, and international competitions are growing steadily, providing more platforms for female athletes.
As part of the top 10 emerging sports, ultimate frisbee fosters a welcoming community that values inclusivity, making it particularly popular in universities and cities worldwide. Women’s participation is increasing due to grassroots initiatives, club development, and expanded media attention, all contributing to the sport’s rise.
In 2025, ultimate frisbee continues to evolve, with more women embracing the sport’s unique culture and competitive opportunities. Its combination of athleticism and respect makes it one of the most promising sports among the top 10 emerging sports for women globally.
| Stat | Over 40% of new ultimate frisbee club registrations in 2024 were women-led or co-ed with equal gender representation (WFDF data). |
7. E-Sports (Competitive Gaming)
E-sports has rapidly transformed from a niche pastime to one of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025, offering exciting competitive opportunities in games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Fortnite. Female gamers are breaking into a traditionally male-dominated scene, gaining recognition through women-only tournaments and mixed-gender competitions.
The strategic and mental demands of e-sports align well with many athletes’ strengths, and increasing sponsorships and media coverage provide women gamers with growing financial and professional incentives. Streaming platforms have helped women build followings and establish themselves as role models, encouraging more female participation.
As a top 10 emerging sport, e-sports benefits from its accessibility, allowing women from diverse backgrounds to compete without geographic or physical constraints. The growing infrastructure, including coaching, leagues, and prize money, supports women in pursuing professional careers.
In 2025, e-sports continues to expand its footprint among women athletes, pushing the boundaries of competitive gaming and digital sports culture. Its blend of skill, strategy, and entertainment cements its place firmly in the top 10 emerging sports for women worldwide.
| Stat | Women now represent 30% of professional esports players globally — up from just 11% in 2020 (source: Newzoo 2025 report). |
6. Climbing (Sport & Bouldering)
Climbing, including sport climbing and bouldering, has firmly established itself among the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. Since its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2021, women’s climbing has experienced a surge in popularity and participation worldwide.
The sport combines physical strength, technique, and problem-solving skills, appealing to women seeking a challenging and dynamic athletic pursuit. Prominent female climbers such as Janja Garnbret have inspired many by demonstrating the heights women can reach in this demanding sport.
With climbing gyms proliferating globally and international competitions growing in prestige, women now have more access to training and competitive opportunities. Climbing’s emphasis on mental focus and adaptability complements its physical demands, attracting a diverse group of female athletes.
As a member of the top 10 emerging sports, climbing’s inclusive and rapidly growing community makes it an excellent choice for women of all levels. The sport’s evolution continues to provide exciting pathways for female climbers to achieve excellence and inspire the next generation.
| Stat | Women now make up 48% of competitive climbers in IFSC World Cup events as of 2025. |
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5. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has surged into the spotlight as one of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025, transforming from a niche combat sport into a global phenomenon. Women fighters have played a crucial role in MMA’s rise, showcasing incredible skill, athleticism, and determination inside the cage. Champions like Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko have not only dominated but also inspired a new generation of female fighters worldwide.
MMA’s appeal among women comes from its combination of multiple martial arts disciplines, including striking, grappling, and wrestling. This diverse skill set requires intense physical conditioning and mental toughness, traits embodied by the women shaping this sport’s future. MMA promotions worldwide are expanding women’s divisions, providing increased visibility and opportunities for female athletes.
The rise of women in MMA reflects broader trends seen in the top 10 emerging sports: breaking barriers, expanding professional options, and growing fanbases. MMA gyms and training camps are welcoming more women, encouraging participation from beginners to professionals.
In 2025, MMA remains a leading force among the top 10 emerging sports for women, offering both a physically demanding challenge and a platform for empowerment. As the sport gains mainstream acceptance, female fighters continue to elevate MMA’s profile and inspire countless women to pursue their fighting dreams.
| Stat | UFC reported a 41% year-on-year increase in women’s MMA pay-per-view engagement in 2024. |
4. Padel Tennis
Padel tennis is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. Originating in Mexico and widely popular across Europe and Latin America, this racquet sport combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller, enclosed court. Its accessible format and social nature make padel tennis especially appealing to women of all ages and skill levels.
The sport’s growing popularity is driven by easy learning curves and a fun, fast-paced playing style that encourages participation. Women’s padel tennis tours and leagues are expanding, with more professional competitions attracting global attention. Increased media coverage and sponsorship deals are further boosting the sport’s profile.
Padel tennis is also fostering community engagement, with clubs and recreational centers promoting women’s programs to encourage greater involvement. Its mix of agility, strategy, and teamwork highlights why padel tennis is climbing the ranks of the top 10 emerging sports.
In 2025, padel tennis offers women a dynamic, inclusive sporting experience that balances competition and camaraderie. As infrastructure and professional opportunities grow, padel tennis is poised to become a major player in women’s sports worldwide.
| Stat | Women’s padel participation grew by 60% in Europe between 2021 and 2025, with 150+ new clubs offering women’s-only leagues. |
3. Field Hockey
Field hockey is cementing its place as one of the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025, evolving with faster gameplay and increased global reach. Traditionally strong in countries like the Netherlands, Australia, and India, women’s field hockey is expanding into new markets, attracting fresh talent and audiences.
Technological advancements in equipment and analytics have improved training and match strategies, raising the sport’s competitive standards. International tournaments and professional leagues are gaining prominence, offering women more platforms to showcase their skills.
Field hockey combines endurance, speed, and teamwork, appealing to athletes who enjoy fast-paced, strategic team sports. Grassroots initiatives and school programs worldwide are encouraging young women to take up the sport, expanding its base and reinforcing its status among the top 10 emerging sports.
In 2025, field hockey continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, providing women with exciting opportunities to compete at the highest levels and inspiring future generations to join the game.
| Stat | Global registration of female field hockey players rose by 35% from 2020 to 2025, with India and the Netherlands leading the surge. |
2. Surfing
Surfing has ridden a powerful wave into the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025, fueled by its Olympic debut and the global rise of female surfing stars. With athletes like Carissa Moore leading the charge, women’s surfing has gained tremendous visibility and respect.
The sport’s unique combination of athleticism, balance, and connection to nature appeals strongly to women seeking both physical challenge and personal expression. Increasing sponsorships, prize money, and media coverage have elevated women’s surfing competitions, including the World Surf League’s events.
Surfing’s inclusive culture encourages participation across ages and backgrounds, with local clubs and surf schools supporting female surfers worldwide. Its environmental ethos also resonates with many athletes and fans.
As one of the top 10 emerging sports, women’s surfing continues to grow in competitiveness and popularity. In 2025, the sport offers women a thrilling and empowering platform to showcase skill and inspire others through ocean sports.
| Stat | Women’s events accounted for 48% of total viewership in the 2024 World Surf League – the highest on record. |
1. Skateboarding
Skateboarding is leading the charge as the top sport among the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025. With its Olympic debut and an energetic youth culture, skateboarding has seen explosive growth in female participation and recognition.
Women skateboarders are pushing technical and creative boundaries, gaining respect through competitions and media exposure. Grassroots programs, skateparks, and community events are encouraging girls and women to take up the sport, fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
The sport’s blend of athletic skill, artistry, and personal expression makes it uniquely appealing. As more women gain sponsorships and professional opportunities, skateboarding is solidifying its status as a mainstream competitive sport.
In 2025, skateboarding offers women a vibrant, dynamic arena to showcase talent and creativity. It stands out among the top 10 emerging sports for women, symbolizing freedom, innovation, and the spirit of rising stars worldwide.
| Stat | Female participation in competitive skateboarding grew by 92% between 2018 and 2025, according to World Skate. |
FAQs
Q1: What are the top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025?
The top 10 emerging sports for women in 2025 include women’s rugby sevens, drone racing, ultimate frisbee, e-sports, climbing, mixed martial arts (MMA), padel tennis, field hockey, surfing, and skateboarding. These sports are rapidly growing in female participation and professional opportunities.
Q2: Why are these sports considered emerging for women?
These sports are classified as emerging because of their rapid growth in popularity, increased media coverage, new professional leagues, and rising female participation, reflecting changing attitudes towards women in sports.
Q3: How can women get involved in these emerging sports?
Women can join local clubs, attend training sessions, participate in amateur or professional leagues, and follow online tutorials or coaching platforms to get started in these emerging sports
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