Women's sports had pivotal year, from Summer McIntosh and Caitlin Clark to the new PWHL

Record numbers of basketball fans filled arenas to watch the rookie seasons of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unfold. Fellow American Coco Gauff made women's tennis history. Simone Biles, also from the United States, captivated the world at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

World Aquatics swimmer of the year Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals at an Olympics. Last week, she was the Northern Star Award recipient as Canada's athlete of the year and set three world records while earning five short course medals, including three gold.

"This week's been overall great, [and] probably one of the best swim meets of my life," said McIntosh, who accomplished plenty this year at 18 years old.

In Paris, Canadians earned 27 medals, more than any other non-boycotted Summer Games, and the majority were by women, which isn't a new trend.

WATCH | McIntosh takes 6th world record in stride:

Summer McIntosh taking it 'one race at a time' after setting sixth career world record

It was all part of a pivotal year for women in sports, financially and culturally, and after a steady rise in popularity and reach in recent years, the women's game is more valuable than ever.

"[Clark]'s just moved the needle of the global movement of women in sports," said U.S. softball great and Olympic gold medallist Jennie Finch, "and what a thrill it's been to be able to see her rise."

Last November, the consulting firm Deloitte estimated women's sports would generate more than $1 billion US in global revenue this year for the first time ever, which the company said is up about 300 per cent from its last estimate in 2021. Skyrocketing viewership and corporate sponsorships were major factors.

The Women's National Basketball Association has