Basketball Reigns Supreme: Women’s Sport in Spain Achieves Unprecedented Growth – Breaking News

Madrid, Spain – In a stunning display of sporting preference, basketball has cemented its position as the most popular sport for women in Spain, reaching a new high in federated licenses for 2024. This comes despite a significant push for women’s football, fueled by a champion team and increased institutional support. The news, released today by the Superior Sports Council, signals a fascinating shift in the landscape of Spanish sport and offers valuable insights for sports organizations worldwide.

Record Numbers: Basketball’s Continued Ascent

The latest data reveals a remarkable 12% increase in female basketball licenses, bringing the total to over 157,000. This surge translates to more than 19,000 new participants in just one year. In contrast, while football continues to hold the second position, its growth has slowed considerably, registering only a 1.84% increase to 109,874 licenses. This isn’t just a win for basketball; it’s a powerful statement about the preferences of Spanish women when it comes to athletic pursuits.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Basketball Connects

Elisa Aguilar, President of the Spanish Basketball Federation, expressed her satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the Federation’s success in attracting new players. “These numbers indicate we are doing well in our work to bring basketball to those who still don’t know it,” Aguilar stated. “People who approach this sport, and its values, stay with it. And it’s a sport that women like, which connects with their sensitivity, not only for physical practice or healthy habits, but for its ability to transform society and make a better world.”

A Decade of Dominance: Basketball’s Unwavering Popularity

This isn’t a recent phenomenon. Since 2007, when data began being tracked by gender, basketball has consistently been the top choice for women in Spain. Previous challengers – golf, volleyball, and mountain sports – have all fallen short. While football has made significant strides, growing by 56% in the last decade from a ninth-place ranking to second, it hasn’t been enough to dethrone basketball. This resilience is particularly noteworthy given the recent global focus on women’s football and the success of the Spanish national team.

The Wider Sporting Landscape: Trends and Shifts

The Superior Sports Council’s report paints a broader picture of the Spanish sporting scene. While overall licenses have experienced a slight dip of 0.24% (down to 4.31 million), certain sports are experiencing significant growth. Disability intellectual sport saw a massive increase, jumping from 4,116 to 11,179 licenses, and archery, sports dance, and table tennis also showed strong gains. Conversely, judo, triathlon, and volleyball are facing declines.

A Matter of Proportion: Female Participation Rates

The data reveals a crucial difference in gender balance between basketball and football. Women represent 36% of basketball licenses, compared to just 8% in football. While football boasts a larger overall number of federated players (1.26 million, predominantly male), basketball is moving closer to gender parity with 282,995 male licenses. This suggests a more inclusive and equitable environment within the basketball community.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Sport in Spain

The continued success of basketball, coupled with the growing popularity of other sports, highlights the evolving dynamics of the Spanish sporting landscape. The focus on inclusivity, coupled with the success of national teams and the development of new formats like 3×3 basketball (which recently secured a silver medal at the Paris Games), are key drivers of this growth. As Aguilar concludes, “We will continue working with renewed spirits to attract new women – and men, of course – to our sport, because we know that more basketball makes better societies.” This isn’t just about sports; it’s about building a healthier, more engaged, and more equitable future for Spain.

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