Review of LiteratureThesis There is a clear correlation between the economics of women's professional sports and their ultimate success. Since most success in sports leagues, teams, and associations is measured by longevity, win/loss records, and, most importantly, revenue, the imprint of women's competition at the professional level has not been paramount in any moment in our history. Women's professional athletics is characterized by an economic model and a level of acceptance among the masses that differs immensely from that of its male counterparts. In this literature review I intend to examine the major issues that contribute to the struggle of the women's professional team. sporting experience, compared to individual sports. To better understand the disconnect between women's purchasing power and women's support of women's professional sports, I will use industry facts and expert opinions to take a closer look at the economic pitfalls of women's professional sports and how this contributes to their development. Definitive end. Participation and Purchasing Power In the post-Title IX era, female participation in sports has skyrocketed. In 1970, one in twenty-seven girls played varsity sports in high school; compared to one in three today (6). Overall, women currently outnumber men as active participants in sports/fitness (1). Since 1991, women have also purchased more than men in athletic shoes and apparel, participate in the majority of purchasing decisions for men and families, as well as their own, and purchase disproportionately to their participation in sports. In short, women control 81% of total athletic apparel dollars (6). Therefore, the argument that women are not interested in sports and do not buy clothing remains false (3). Team Sports Women's professional team sports have struggled to establish themselves as an anchor in a booming industry. Some argue that the masculine image of team sports has inhibited women from professional participation in the United States (4). The best examples of women's sports at a professional level would be basketball and soccer. Both of these sports are very popular in the United States, both sports enjoy huge participation, but struggle financially. WNBAWomen have been playing competitive basketball since 1892. In 1976, women's basketball became an Olympic sport and has found much success at the collegiate and amateur levels ever since. The first professional league was launched in 1978 and closed 3 years later. In 1996, two more leagues were created: the American Basketball League (ABL) and the WNBA. The ABL went out of business in 1999, while the WNBA continues to thrive. Financial problems were the cause of each team's demise, and experts say the WNBA's survival is due to its affiliation with the NBA (2).