Childhood Sports Linked to Lasting Leadership Advantage for Women in Business, Study Finds

A new comprehensive study, "Girls Who Play Change the Game," has established a strong link between girls' participation in sports and lasting career advantages for women in the workplace. Released on August 31, 2026, by e.l.f. Beauty and Parity, a women's sports consultancy, the report indicates that women who played sports in their youth are significantly more likely to attain leadership positions.

The study, described by Business Wire as "one of the largest and broadest studies of its kind," drew on data from over 9,500 respondents across the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the U.K., with consistent findings across all four countries. It focused on "Everyday Athletes"—women who played sports for at least three years before completing high/secondary school and are now or were recently working full-time. The report also included surveys of 328 professional women athletes and 114 corporate board members.

What are the key findings of the study?

The study found that women who played sports for at least three years before the end of high/secondary school were nearly 50% more likely to hold leadership roles at work compared to women with little or no sports participation. These "Everyday Athletes" demonstrated a 37% higher likelihood of aspiring to senior leadership roles and were nearly 25% more likely to have negotiated their salary, according to TheIndustry.beauty.

The impact of sports skills on career progression was also clear: nearly 90% of Everyday Athletes who have been promoted said a skill they acquired in sports helped them advance, Cosmetics & Toiletries reported. Furthermore, 69% of Everyday Athletes with at least five years of work experience believe the lessons from sports are more crucial than ever in today's professional landscape.

How do leaders and professionals view sports participation?

Leaders and professionals largely concur on the importance of sports. Eighty percent of women leaders who were identified as Everyday Athletes stated that sports were a significant part of their upbringing. Beauty Packaging highlighted that 98% of professional women athletes surveyed felt sports prepared them for life beyond their playing careers. A substantial 85% of men and women board members surveyed also recognized the importance of lessons learned in sports for future board members.

Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer for e.l.f. Brands, commented on the findings, stating, "This research puts numbers behind what we've always believed." He added that "Building pathways for women in sports by investing in the players, leagues and their fans helps shape a brighter future for the next generation of changemakers." O'Keefe also noted the current trend where "young girls drop out of sports three times more than young boys," expressing a desire to change that dynamic.

Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, affirmed her organization's dedication to "advancing equity for women in sports and business."

Is interest in girls' sports increasing?

Yes, the momentum for girls playing sports appears to be on the rise. The study indicated that 70% of Gen Z women who started playing sports continued through the end of high/secondary school, which is an increase from 62% of Baby Boomers, Inc.com reported.

This trend suggests a growing recognition of the long-term benefits that sports offer, not just for physical health, but for developing critical leadership qualities and career resilience.

This is educational information, not legal, financial, tax, or investment advice.