AFLW attendance surges 35% as double-headers draw 50,000 new fans
AFLW crowds grew 35% year-on-year, adding 50,000 spectators, largely due to double-header matches.
Double-headers pairing AFLW and AFL men's matches drew massive crowds in August's opening rounds. The women's game often played first, with audiences reaching 16,000 to 22,000 people before the men's game kicked off.
AFL executive general manager Laura Kane called the result transformative. Clubs broadly supported the concept but asked to keep each double-header to two teams for logistics.
With the men's season pushed back a week in 2027, at least three weeks of overlap between competitions will create space for more double-headers.
- 35 percent year-on-year
- Attendance growth
- 50,000 people
- New spectators added
- 16,000 to 22,000 people
- Women's double-header crowds
- At least 3 weeks between competitions
- Overlap weeks 2027
Why it mattersThe growth shows AFLW has moved beyond niche interest into mainstream appeal, reshaping how the league schedules and promotes matches.
AustraliaMore double-headers mean Australian sports fans will see increased AFLW fixtures on major grounds, higher attendance, and better access to women's football alongside the men's game.
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