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A total of 26.2 million fans attended professional, ticketed sporting events in Australia in 2024 marking a nine per cent increase on the previous year.
According to the Sports Attendance Review, a report by TwoCircles, the most attended sport in the country remains AFL which attracted 8.4 million fans in 2024.
Rugby league saw a 19 per cent increase in attendance figures as it jumped to 4.8 million while horse racing rounded out the top three with 2.7 million at a four per cent increase.
One of the most notable trends of the year was the rise in women’s sports.attendance
Netball led the way with a 33 per cent increase in attendance, although exact figures are unavailable, followed by growth of 23 per cent in the Women’s Big Bash League, and obstacle racing competition Ninja League at 15 per cent.
“A significant driver of this growth has been the ‘Matildas Effect’, with the success of Australia’s women’s football team generating an unprecedented increase in engagement,” read the report.
“Some clubs saw their average attendance rise by more than 40%, reflecting a surge in interest in women’s football.”
Melbourne remains the home of sport in Australia as it drew 9.8 million fans to live events in 2024 beating second place Sydney on 5.6 million.
This is partly due to the Victorian city’s sporting infrastructure which includes the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium and AAMI Park as well as its annual calendar with events like the Australian Open and Australia Grand Prix.
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