The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, set to take place in Australia from March 1 to 21, is aiming for a massive financial leap. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has approved a record budget of $21 million for the tournament—three times the amount allocated for the 2022 edition.
Ambitious Revenue Goals The AFC is optimistic about the tournament’s commercial potential, projecting a total revenue of $82 million. This income is expected to come from several key streams:
- Sponsorships: $31 million
- Ticketing: $22 million
- Broadcasting Rights: $11 million
- Hospitality & Merchandising: $8 million
Attendance is also expected to hit record highs, with a projected total of 797,000 spectators (an average of 29,500 per match). This would surpass the average attendance of the 2025 Women’s Euro, partly due to the larger stadium capacities in Australia, ranging from 19,500 to nearly 80,000 seats.
The Prize Money Disparity Despite the budget surge, the tournament highlights a stark inequality. According to a report by FIFPRO, the prize money for the women’s competition represents only 12% of what is offered in the men’s version. This is currently the lowest ratio among all comparable continental tournaments.
Players from seven participating nations have already issued a formal letter to the AFC, demanding equal conditions, guaranteed payments, and a legacy program that reflects the true value of the sport. Shoko Tsuji, General Secretary of FIFPRO for Asia and Oceania, stated that these demands are not only “transformative” but also “affordable” for the industry.