StubHub reports that ticket sales for women's sports and NFL's Swift bump were instrumental in defining a successful year.

• This year, there was a significant rise in ticket sales for women's sports, according to StubHub.
• The U.S. debut of Lionel Messi significantly increased the popularity of MLS and Inter Miami.
• This season, the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs experienced high ticket demand due to Taylor Swift's presence.

In 2023, women's sports experienced significant growth, as reported by StubHub on Wednesday.

The resale site's Year in Live Experiences report indicates that ticket sales for women's sports experienced unprecedented growth.

The demand for women's basketball Final Four tickets on StubHub was higher than it was for men's basketball Final Four seats for the first time, as the LSU Lady Tigers went on to win their first NCAA championship. Total sales were six times higher than in last year's women's tournament, and ticket prices were 15% higher than in the 2023 men's Final Four.

Nebraska's women's volleyball team outperformed the football team in terms of ticket sales on StubHub, with an average ticket price that was 60% higher.

The Nebraska volleyball game against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks on Aug. 30 attracted a record-breaking 92,003 fans, making it the bestselling volleyball game on Stubhub.

StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli stated that there has been a significant increase in demand for college sports events, particularly among women.

In 2023, the WNBA experienced a 16% increase in attendance and a 21% jump in viewership, marking its most successful season in 21 years. StubHub's trends also reflected the league's broader success.

The 2023 WNBA season saw a more than doubling of overall ticket sales from the previous year, with StubHub reporting its highest ever sales for the Las Vegas Aces' WNBA Finals victory over the New York Liberty, which tripled from the previous season.

The National Women's Soccer League experienced growth in various aspects, including attendance, viewership, and team valuations. Stubhub reported that ticket sales for the season doubled from 2022. Angel City FC, owned by celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Serena Williams, was the highest-selling club on the platform, with sales increasing by 62% compared to 2022.

The number of tickets sold for women's tennis increased by 42% in 2022, resulting in a 30% jump in sales. This surge occurred after Coco Gauff qualified for the U.S. Open finals, causing a 20% overnight increase in sales, according to StubHub.

Sports ticket sales were strong in 2021, as evidenced by several key trends observed by StubHub.

The Messi effect is real

The world's attention was captured by Lionel Messi's U.S. debut, which also saw ticket buyers' wallets being affected. Stubhub reported that average ticket prices for Inter Miami games increased by almost three times after Messi joined the team in June.

By 85%, Inter Miami surpassed LAFC as the top-selling club.

Miami's ticket sales on the road were boosted by Messi's presence. For instance, the average ticket price on StubHub for LAFC's season was $145, but when the team played Inter Miami, the average price increased to over $800.

StubHub anticipates a rise in MLS sales next year, mainly among international viewers, according to Budelli.

The NFL (Taylor’s Version)

StubHub's data revealed the NFL season's influence from Taylor Swift, as well as her music world dominance.

Budelli stated that Taylor Swift will undoubtedly be the focus of 2023, whether through her own concert or the enthusiasm she generated in the NFL.

The singer's relationship with the NFL player made her a regular attendee at Chiefs games, boosting both TV ratings and ticket sales.

Sales for Chiefs home games increased by more than three times after Swift's first appearance at the Sept. 24 game.

In 2023, Swift's Eras Tour was the largest in StubHub's history, and she was the most searched act on the platform.

In 2024, StubHub anticipates another successful year for Swift ticket sales, with U.S. buyers accounting for more than half of the tickets purchased for Swift's international shows on both StubHub and viagogo, a platform also owned by StubHub.

Vegas in the spotlight

In 2024, the ticketing company will closely monitor Las Vegas, as it hosts its first Super Bowl next year.

In recent years, Sin City has become a major player in the sports scene, and ticket demand has been on the rise. The Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023, are the top-selling NHL team on StubHub, with ticket sales nearly tripling from the previous year. Meanwhile, the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders are the third-highest selling team in that league.

In 2023, nearly 40% of StubHub's top events were Formula 1 races.

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix attracted fans from around the globe in November, ranking as the third most popular U.S. event for international buyers on StubHub.

The Vegas Sphere, an immersive concert and event venue that opened in September, has rapidly gained international popularity and is expected to further increase ticket sales, according to StubHub.

• The possibility of a supply war with the U.S. is increasing as Saudi Arabia faces challenges in increasing oil prices.