Bloomberg Intelligence Angela Ruggiero on Business of Women’s Sports, Rugby
Sep 4, 2025
Angela Ruggiero dives into the booming business of women's sports, focusing on rugby’s impressive growth. She discusses essential investment needs and evolving marketing strategies that capitalize on the increasing visibility of female athletes. The conversation highlights successful figures in women's sports and the critical importance of sustainable growth for leagues. Ruggiero also addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, offering insights on how the industry can evolve to support female athletes and enhance their platforms.
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Women's Sports Rapid Market Growth
- Women's sports has rapidly grown in the last five years with valuations and transactions increasing significantly.
- Angela Ruggiero notes Sports Innovation Lab data showed latent market demand that investors are now waking up to.
Breakthrough Stars Drive Visibility
- Angela Ruggiero cites Caitlin Clark as a breakthrough star whose visibility boosts the entire women's sports ecosystem.
- She also compares similar star impacts in rugby, naming Alona Maher as transformative.
Prioritize Slow, Sustainable Growth
- Grow women's sports steadily and expect a longer runway for profitability than critics demand.
- Angela Ruggiero recommends slow, long-term investment rather than quick returns to build sustainable leagues.