The Rise of Women's Sports Tourism
Travel has always been driven by diverse motivations—whether to disconnect, celebrate, or explore new horizons. However, a significant shift is underway as more people are crafting journeys around their passions and interests. Sports have long been a key component of this trend, with fans traveling far and wide for events like the Super Bowl or March Madness. What has evolved dramatically is the source of this enthusiasm. Women's sports are no longer a niche interest or a quadrennial Olympic spectacle. They have emerged as a powerful cultural movement, gaining substantial momentum, attracting real investment, and fostering a deeply engaged fan base.
Accelerated Growth and Cultural Impact
Over the past decade, the growth of women's sports has accelerated at an impressive pace. This surge is fueled by high-profile athletes such as Caitlin Clark and viral sensations like 2024 U.S. rugby Olympian Ilona Maher, who are drawing entirely new audiences into the fold. According to recent reports, sponsorship in women's sports grew 50% faster than in men's professional leagues during the 2024-25 season. This increased financial support translates into greater visibility, improved access, and larger stages for both athletes and fans.
This heightened visibility is manifesting in tangible ways: more sold-out arenas, an abundance of viral moments, and a growing number of fans organizing entire trips around games, tournaments, and the cities that host them. This trend is part of a broader transformation in the travel industry. The United Nations World Tourism Organization identifies sports tourism as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
Meaningful Engagement Beyond the Game
For younger travelers, particularly Gen Z, supporting women's sports carries profound significance beyond the final score. Ally Bank's Cost of Fandom report reveals that 40% of surveyed Gen Zers view their support as a means to champion equality and empowerment. This perspective transforms a simple weekend getaway into an experience that is both enjoyable and meaningful, creating a win-win scenario for fans and the sports community alike.
Whether you are a longtime WNBA enthusiast or just beginning to appreciate the excitement, there has never been a better time to plan a trip centered on women's sports. The following destinations are essential additions to your travel bucket list for 2026, offering unparalleled opportunities to combine athletic passion with rich cultural experiences.
Top Destinations for Women's Sports Travel in 2026
Riviera Maya, Mexico
For a warm-weather escape with front-row access to elite competition, Riviera Maya stands out as a premier destination for women's sports travel this year. The LPGA Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba's El Camaleón Golf Course, scheduled from April 30 to May 3, will feature 144 of the world's top players, including stars like Nelly Korda and Gaby López. The event includes four days of high-stakes play, complemented by an opening ceremony and Pro-Am, turning the week into a comprehensive experience. This trip seamlessly blends world-class golf with pristine beaches and cultural immersion, making it equally appealing on and off the course.
Montréal, Canada
Montréal uniquely merges historical legacy with contemporary momentum, making it a standout city for women's sports fans. Fifty years after hosting the 1976 Olympics, visitors can watch the Montréal Victoire in action, enjoy a drink at Le Nadia—the city's first bar dedicated to women's sports—or explore the McCord Stewart Museum's Olympic exhibit, which honors legends like five-time Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comăneci. This destination offers a vivid portrayal of how far women's sports have progressed and where they are headed next.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is rapidly establishing itself as a global hub for women's sports enthusiasts, particularly with the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup taking place in September. The tournament will feature 16 nations, including powerhouses like the U.S., Australia, and Belgium, with stars such as A'ja Wilson and Emma Meesseman competing across two arenas, creating an unmatched energetic atmosphere. Beyond the games, Berlin offers a dynamic mix of culture and nightlife, from historic landmarks and world-class museums to vibrant food markets and late-night venues, ensuring the experience is compelling both courtside and off the court.
Oslo, Norway
If you have been contemplating a Scandinavian adventure, Oslo provides the perfect excuse. In late May, the city will host the 2026 UEFA Women's Champions League Final at Ullevaal Stadion—a historic first for Norway—bringing Europe's top clubs and an electrifying crowd to the capital. Enhance your visit with fjord views, waterfront saunas, and leisurely dinners, crafting a trip that is not only a bucket-list soccer moment but also a stunning Nordic escape.
Portland, Oregon
Portland has quietly become a pilgrimage site for women's sports fans, anchored by the Portland Thorns FC and one of the most electric atmospheres in the National Women's Soccer League. The excitement extends beyond the stadium to The Sports Bra, the United States' first bar entirely dedicated to women's sports, which has inspired a national wave of similar spaces. Between match-day crowds, craft coffee, and a renowned food scene—don't miss the local donuts—Portland transforms a simple game into a full cultural immersion.
Brisbane, Australia
For those seeking a long-haul journey, Brisbane presents a compelling case. The city will host the final of the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup in October, bringing the tournament's most high-energy moment to a destination that already thrives on sports culture. Between matches, enjoy sun-drenched days by the river, easy access to nearby beaches, and a laid-back pace that makes the entire trip feel like a celebration of both the game and the experience of being there.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis has a knack for integrating women's sports into the fabric of daily life. The WNBA Minnesota Lynx boast a dynasty legacy with stars like Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles, while the Minnesota Frost are building new momentum on the ice. Complementing this energy is A Bar of Their Own, the city's first bar dedicated to women's sports, which keeps game days at the forefront. The weekend can be easily filled with a strong food scene, lakeside hangouts, and walkable neighborhoods, ensuring a fun-filled experience.
London, United Kingdom
There is something uniquely captivating about London in the summer, and for women's sports fans, it aligns perfectly with the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. Taking place from late June to early July, the event brings 128 of the world's best women's singles players to its iconic grass courts. One moment you are watching stars like Coco Gauff or Iga Świątek chase history, and the next you are exploring Hyde Park, visiting museums, or enjoying a Soho dinner, turning match day into a comprehensive vacation experience.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Women's volleyball reaches an extraordinary level in Nebraska, where the Nebraska Cornhuskers routinely play in front of sold-out crowds and thousands of passionate fans. Events like Volleyball Day in Nebraska have drawn over 92,000 attendees, transforming the sport into a statewide phenomenon. From late August through November, high-stakes Big Ten matchups maintain constant energy, while postgame hours spill into a surprisingly vibrant downtown with breweries, food stops, and an all-inclusive game-day atmosphere.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is preparing for a major women's sports moment in 2026, with the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game set to take over in July. The Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena and the main event at the United Center, hosted by the Chicago Sky, coincide with the league's milestone 30th season and bring the WNBA's biggest names together—an absolute bucket-list item for basketball fans, especially with the league's expansion to 15 teams. Between games, build a full weekend by walking the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan, indulging in deep-dish pizza at spots like Lou Malnati's, or exploring West Loop restaurants.
