London Set to Be Undisputed Global Capital for Women’s Sport in 2025 as City Hosts World’s Biggest Events
London is poised to solidify its reputation as the global hub for women’s sport in 2025, with a calendar brimming with marquee events that promise to captivate audiences worldwide. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan saild that the city will play host to some of the world’s most prestigious sporting spectacles, drawing millions of fans and breaking attendance records.
“I’m so excited that London is set to be the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, with some of the world’s biggest events coming to our city,” said the mayor. “Ensuring London hosts many of these leading events is part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup
The grand finale of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Twickenham Stadium is set to make history, with projections of a world-record attendance for a one-day women’s rugby event. Demand for tickets has already outstripped supply, with over 220,000 tickets sold across the tournament. The final is expected to surpass the 58,498 fans who witnessed England’s triumph over France in 2023 and the 66,000 attendees at the Stade de France for the women’s Olympic sevens in Paris 2024.
Ahead of the World Cup, Twickenham will also host a pivotal clash in the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations Rugby on 26 April, where England will face France, the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
Women’s Tennis
For the first time in over 50 years, women’s tennis will grace the iconic Queen’s Club, with a new WTA 500 event starting on 9 June. Laura Robson, former British No.1 and Olympic silver medallist, has been appointed Tournament Director. This tournament will serve as a lead-up to Wimbledon 2025, where the world’s best players will compete for one of tennis’s most coveted titles.
Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket will take centre stage in London throughout the summer. England Women will face India in a T20 International at The Kia Oval on 4 July, followed by an ODI at Lord’s on 19 July. The first-ever Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day will also be held at The Kia Oval on 27 July. Additionally, the popular The Hundred competition will return in August, featuring London’s teams—Oval Invincibles and London Spirit—competing for glory.
World-Class Athletics
The 2025 London Athletics Meet on 19 July promises to be another highlight, as part of the prestigious Wanda Diamond League series. Building on the success of sold-out events in 2024, international superstars like Dina Asher-Smith and Keely Hodgkinson are expected to dazzle crowds at the London Stadium once again.
Women’s Football
London remains a beacon for women’s football. The England Lionesses will host reigning World Champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on 26 February, a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Wembley will also host the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final on 18 May, which has sold out for the past two years. With London-based teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United dominating the Barclays Women’s Super League, fans are assured of thrilling football action throughout the year.
The Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will continue to serve as the home of London Pulse, a Netball Super League (NSL) team. The NSL Grand Final will take place at the O2 Arena on 6 July, marking a major milestone for the sport. Meanwhile, the Women’s Basketball Playoff Finals will also return to the O2 Arena on 18 May, adding to the city’s vibrant sports calendar.
An estimated six million people attended sporting events in London in 2024, with highlights including the UEFA Champions League Final. Polling by YouGov revealed that 62% of Londoners feel a sense of pride when major events are hosted in the city, while 69% believe these events positively impact the local economy. London was also named the world’s top sporting events host in the 2024 Global Cities Report.
Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, noted: “With unprecedented demand for tickets, fans can expect an incredible celebration of women’s rugby on its biggest stage.”
Kay Cossington, The FA’s Women’s Technical Director, added: “2025 is shaping up to be another momentous year for the women’s game. The Lionesses’ fixtures at Wembley are always special, and the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final will undoubtedly be another unmissable showpiece.”
Beth Barrett-Wild, ECB Director of Women’s Professional Game, emphasized: “2025 will be an unmissable summer of women’s cricket in London, setting the stage for a huge 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”
Claire Nelson, Netball Super League Managing Director, said: “Bringing the NSL Grand Final to The O2 is a major moment for our sport, pushing the boundaries to make our events bigger and better.”
Sally Munday, UK Sport CEO, remarked: “2025 will be a spectacular year for women’s sport in the UK, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup promising to be one of the iconic sporting moments of the year.”
With a packed schedule of world-class events across a diverse range of sports, London is not just hosting competitions but redefining the narrative of women’s sports globally. The city’s commitment to elevating women’s achievements on the world stage ensures that 2025 will be a year to remember for athletes, fans, and the sporting community alike. As London gears up to welcome the world, it cements its position as the ultimate destination for women’s sport and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
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