Areto Labs’ Q3 2025 Global Hate Speech Index shows that all major sports leagues worldwide are now affected by persistent sexist and transphobic abuse, threatening players, officials, fans, and commercial growth. Women’s sports remain structurally higher (Index 180 vs. 131 for men’s sports), while men’s sports are also seeing a +70% Year-over-Year (YoY) rise in abuse.

Despite a seasonal dip, online hostility in sports is rapidly escalating, confirmed by a 50% YoY toxicity increase. The crisis is acutely structural: Transphobia soared +103% YoY and Sexism rose +75% YoY, highlighting the normalization of identity-based abuse, which is structurally higher and more volatile for women's sports.

Despite a seasonal dip, online hostility in sports is rapidly escalating, confirmed by a 50% YoY toxicity increase. The crisis is acutely structural: Transphobia soared +103% YoY and Sexism rose +75% YoY, highlighting the normalization of identity-based abuse, which is structurally higher and more volatile for women's sports.

While technology has driven major advances, poorly designed algorithms still risk amplifying bias. This is why the current discourse highlights the need for ethics-first technology, where human rights, digital safety, and fairness are built into every policy and tool. Prioritizing ethical digital ecosystems is no longer just about risk management; it has become a decisive advantage for capturing the full commercial and cultural potential of women’s sports. Safe and ethical digital environments protect athletes and brands, enhance fan experiences, and strengthen sponsor confidence as the market continues its explosive growth.

Imane Khelif, Vinícius Júnior, Jess Carter, Katie Boulter, and Shireen Limaye are athletes at the top of their game, but also recent targets of racist and sexist abuse. Sport is often praised as a universal language, yet the treatment of these players reveals another truth: it can exclude as much as it unites.

Transphobic abuse in sports surged to record highs in Q2 2025, with the Areto Transphobia Index up 215% quarter-over-quarter and 633% year-over-year, according to Areto Labs’ latest Hate Speech Index. Facebook was the source of 90% of transphobic comments. The rise in hate speech coincided with Pride Month and broader political discourse, highlighting growing normalization of anti-trans sentiment online. The Index also reported spikes in homophobia and abuse targeting women’s sports.