WSL FOOTBALL, the organisation responsible for overseeing the top two tiers of women’s football in England, has recorded an operating loss of £8.2 million in its inaugural year of operations.
The club-owned, independent company was established in August 2024 and manages both the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship. It has released financial accounts for its first year as a standalone entity, covering the season ending 31 July 2025.
During the period, WSL Football generated revenue of £17.4m, resulting in an operating loss of £8.2m. The organisation said the outcome was “fully anticipated as an early-stage organisation committed to protecting and supporting as many clubs as possible during this growth stage.”.
The reported turnover comprises £8.4m from broadcasting, £8.5m from sponsorship and licensing, and £128,000 from other income streams, including ticket sales for the League Cup.
Although not reflected in the current financial statements, WSL Football stated that revenues have tripled since it assumed control of the leagues. The organisation noted that increased rights fees from Barclays, Sky Sports and the BBC, alongside new commercial partnerships with Nike, British Gas, Apple and Mercedes-Benz UK, will be recognised in the 2025–26 accounts.
“The priority right now is to support and help our clubs grow, and we committed from the outset not to reduce them,” WSL said in a statement.
WSL Football CEO Nikki Doucet said, “We are at the beginning of a long‑term growth journey, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and increased commercial platform. What we have achieved in a short space of time is remarkable and our prospects for the future are positive. We have established our foundation, and we are committed to continued investment into the game and our member clubs.”
