In a significant nod to their efforts in women’s football, Arsenal Football Club has been awarded the Women’s Sport Business Award at the prestigious 2023 Sports Business Awards.

This accolade underlines Arsenal’s pivotal role in advancing the women’s game.

Arsenal Football Club has been honoured with the Women’s Sport Business Award at the 2023 Sports Business Awards, acknowledging their substantial contribution to the growth of women’s football.

The ceremony, held at The Hurlingham Club on Friday 10 November, saw the club recognised for its commitment and initiatives in elevating the women’s game.

The prestigious award was presented to Arsenal by Sarah Mockford, the women’s sports editor at The Telegraph, during a ceremony that celebrated the successes of various sports teams and their behind-the-scenes efforts.

Arsenal’s achievement in hosting eight Arsenal Women’s games at the Emirates Stadium last season was a significant factor in their recognition. The club set a Barclays Super League record attendance of 47,367 for the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, and broke the UK record attendance for Women’s Champions League games twice.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Justin Moorhouse with entertainment from magician Magical Bones, presented 20 awards in total.

It showcased the dedication and commitment to excellence in the sports industry. The event also featured a drinks reception where nominees mingled ahead of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, beIN Media Group was awarded for the most successful sports event broadcast, covering the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

The Sports Business Awards, launched in 2016, play a role in recognising the influence of business within sport. They honour organisations, teams, and individuals who excel in their roles, bringing together over 500 of the best in sports business for the winners’ ceremony in London.

Arsenal‘s achievement at the 2023 Sports Business Awards highlights the club’s commitment to promoting and developing women’s football.

Their efforts have not only enhanced the game’s visibility but have also set new benchmarks in audience engagement and support for women’s sports.

The recognition serves as a testament to Arsenal‘s ongoing dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world of sports, particularly in championing women’s football.

The 2023 gold trophy winners

In a display of excellence and innovation, the 2023 Sports Business Awards honoured a diverse array of initiatives and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the sports industry.

These awards, across various categories, celebrated the remarkable efforts and achievements in sports business.

The “Best Sports Marketing Initiative” award was clinched by “FA Women’s Football Weekend” by The Space Between, a campaign that significantly boosted the profile and engagement of women’s football.

In the realm of community and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes, the “Dons Local Action Group” stood out in the football category, demonstrating impactful community involvement.

For other sports, “The Community Integrated Care ‘Inclusive Volunteering Model’” emerged victorious, a collaborative effort with Sport England, Rugby League World Cup 2021, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and World Gymnastics Championships 2022, showcasing a commitment to inclusive participation.

The “Best Sports Governing Body Initiative” was awarded to “MySkate App” by Skateboard GB, an innovative project empowering skateboarding communities and enriching the lives of skateboarders. This initiative underlined the importance of technology in enhancing sports experiences.

The “Most Successful Sports Event Broadcast” accolade went to beIN MEDIA GROUP for their comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which captivated audiences worldwide.

In the category of “Best Brand Activation Involving Sport,” Standard Chartered’s partnership with Liverpool Football Club stood out, illustrating the power of strategic brand alliances in sports.

The “Sports Equality Diversity & Inclusion Award” was awarded to the “Project Rugby Programme” by Premiership Rugby, an initiative highlighting the sport’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

MATTA earned the title of “Agency of the Year” for their innovative approaches in sports marketing and branding.

“Evergreen” by Plymouth Argyle Football Club was recognised as the “Best Fan Engagement Programme,” showcasing creative strategies to foster fan loyalty and engagement.

In the business categories, “thinkBeyond” was honoured for businesses with under £3 million turnover, while “SECUTIX” took the accolade for businesses over £3 million turnover, both demonstrating excellence in serving the sports industry.

“The Football Foundation’s PitchPower” was named the “Sports Technology of the Year,” reflecting advancements in sports technology.

“Trivandi” was recognised as the best in providing “Professional Services in Sport,” showcasing their expertise in the sports sector.

The “Best Sports-Related Commercial or Promotional Video” went to the Sport and Recreation Alliance, for their creative and impactful promotional content.

A noteworthy partnership was highlighted as the “Sponsorship / Partnership of the Year,” awarded to the “Youth Sport Trust’s National School Sports Week” powered by Sports Direct.

The “Sports Innovation Award” was given to “Boats Not Bars” by Fulham Reach Boat Club, an initiative that illustrated innovative approaches to sports engagement.

Surrey County Cricket Club received the “Sustainability in Sport Award” for their commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, reflecting the growing importance of environmental sustainability in sports.

Additionally, the “Women’s Sport Business Award – Supporters of Women’s Sport” was awarded to SPORTFIVE, acknowledging their support and advocacy for women in sports.

Lastly, the “Best Sports Event of the Year” was awarded to the Netball World Cup 2023, hosted by World Netball, marking a celebration of excellence in sports event management.

Each winner at the 2023 Sports Business Awards represented the pinnacle of achievement in their field, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the sports industry.

From enhancing fan experiences to championing sustainability and diversity, these awards highlighted the significant impact of business and innovation in the world of sports.