FROM FIELD TO FEED: WNFC GROWING WOMEN’S FOOTBALL FANDOM ONE SCROLL AT A TIME
- WNFC
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
In case you haven’t noticed, women’s sports are booming. The WNBA is smashing attendance records, the NWSL is shattering TV ratings, and now, the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) is grabbing headlines and redefining what's possible for women's tackle football, digitally and beyond.
Coming off its most successful Championship Weekend yet, the WNFC has officially hit a digital growth milestone. In the last 30 days alone, the league has reached a staggering 5 million fans across its social media channels, including 3 million interactions on Instagram, cementing itself as one of the fastest-growing women's sports properties online.
Championship Weekend Propels Massive Digital Growth
Held at the iconic Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, WNFC Championship Weekend is quickly becoming a marquee event for women's sports enthusiasts, brands, and influencers alike. With over 5,000 in attendance across multiple events, a broadcast debut on ESPN2 attracting 150,000 viewers (the highest-rated program of the day), and viral social moments that engaged millions, this event was not just about crowning champions, it was about proving the power and reach of women's football.
Since June 19, WNFC social channels have soared, driven by standout content such as player highlights, behind-the-scenes reels, and powerful storytelling featuring the league’s top teams. Notably, TikTok reels regularly surpass 50,000 organic views within 48 hours, while Instagram engagement rates consistently hit between 4-7%, significantly outperforming industry benchmarks.
WNFC’s Digital Footprint By The Numbers (2025 Season So Far):
Instagram Followers: 150,000 (up 61% from 2024)
TikTok Followers: 46,000 followers, nearly doubling from under 25,000 in 2024, accumulating over 296,000 likes.
Cross-platform Social Reach: Surpassing 20 million impressions, a 20% increase year-over-year.
Championship-week Social Engagements: Over 2 million interactions, a significant 33% increase compared to 2024.
Linear TV Audience: 150,000 viewers on ESPN2, marking the WNFC’s mainstream broadcast debut.
Streaming Distribution: Expanded reach with all 72 games streamed for free on Victory+, highlighted by the popular Saturday Night Showcase.
Player-led Influencer Network: Launch of the groundbreaking Inaugural Brand Ambassador Program, featuring 12 influential athletes and content creators.
Player Ambassadors: Fueling the Digital Revolution
The WNFC Brand Ambassador Program has quickly become a game-changer. Athletes such as Nana Olavuo (@Nanaolavuo), Paulina Lopez (@paulopez_lp), and Destanie Yarbrough (@yedestanie) have experienced phenomenal follower growth and unprecedented engagement rates during their participation in the program.
Paulina Lopez, a standout DB/LB, saw 30% of her Instagram following from 82,700 to 107,000 by sharing a combination of lifestyle and football clips, drawing over 3 million views. Linebacker Nana Olavuo leveraged game day perspectives and global story telling boosting her audience from 14,000 to 25,000. Destanie Yarbrough saw an impressive 18.8% growth by bridging football with MMA audiences.
These ambassadors aren't merely growing followers; they're actively creating dedicated communities, making them ideal partners for brands looking to authentically connect with diverse, influential audiences of women aged 22-44.
Riding the Wave of Women's Sports Growth
Women's sports are no longer just a "movement"; they're a business imperative. According to a recent Deloitte report, women's sports sponsorships and media investments are projected to surpass $1 billion annually by 2026. The WNBA’s 2024 finals experienced record-breaking viewership, reinforcing the booming interest from fans and sponsors alike. Like the WNBA and NWSL, the WNFC stands poised to benefit greatly from this rising tide.
As the WNFC continues its rapid ascent, brands have a unique opportunity to become part of the story early. Current partners such as adidas, Dove, and Riddell Sports have reaped the benefits of exclusive activations and authentic connections with influential consumer bases.
With growing digital dominance, the WNFC presents new sponsorship possibilities that allow brands to engage meaningfully with highly active communities in ways traditional advertising can't match.
Turning Digital Fans into Lifelong Supporters
The WNFC’s digital strategy is far from superficial engagement, it's building a full-funnel fan journey. The fanbase is consistently guided from captivating social content to free-to-access game streams, and eventually toward live events and merchandise sales.
Speaking of merch, the WNFC online fan shop has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in women's sports. Fans can proudly support their favorite athletes and teams by shopping now at wnfcfootball.com/shop.
Join the Movement: Fans, Followers, and Brands Alike
WNFC isn't just shaping the future of football, it’s redefining what it means to be a fan and a sponsor. Whether you're part of the thriving women’s sports audience, an influential brand looking for authentic engagement, or simply a passionate football fan looking for your next obsession, the WNFC has something powerful to offer.
Don't miss out. Follow the WNFC on Instagram @wnfcfootball to become part of women's football's explosive growth. Brands ready to engage with this fast-growing, diverse, and influential audience can explore partnership opportunities by reaching out today.
Women's football has arrived, and it Looks Like THIS!
Comments