WSL and Women's Championship Control Transferred to Women's Professional Leagues Limited

WPLL Takes Control of Women's Football Leagues in England

The Football Association (FA) has officially transferred management of the top two tiers of women's football in England to Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL). This landmark decision is set to be implemented for the 2024/25 season, marking a significant shift in how women's football operates within the country.

New Organization & Club Ownership

WPLL will oversee the Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship, a change that was agreed upon in November of last year. Under this new arrangement, each club in these top two tiers will become a shareholder in the organization, similar to the structure seen in the Premier League.

Nikki Doucet: Leading the Charge for Women's Football

Nikki Doucet, the newly appointed CEO of WPLL, brings extensive experience from her past role as general manager of Nike Women UK & Ireland. Doucet expressed her excitement about the transition, stating, "Women's football in England has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by increased fan engagement, rising attendance at matches, and a surge in participation at all levels."

Continuing Momentum in Women's Football

Her vision includes creating a vibrant fan community and ensuring the welfare and development of players as top priorities. She thanked the FA for their hard work in building a strong foundation and expressed commitment to furthering the sport's development.

Support from the Premier League

WPLL will receive significant support from the Premier League, including a 20 million interest-free loan in addition to the 21 million already invested between 2022 and 2025 for the development of women's football at all levels. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters highlighted this moment as key for women's football in England.

New Era for the Women's Super League

The FA, which has managed the WSL since its inception in 2010, established a working group in February 2023 comprised of chief executives from the top two tiers. This group explored the best ways to hand over control and ultimately led to the formation of the WPLL.

Mark Bullingham's Insights

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham reflected on the growth achieved in women’s football, emphasizing the importance of allowing WPLL the independence to focus solely on professional women's football as they move forward.

Implications for the Future of Women's Football

Anton Toloui from Sky Sports analyzed this transition and noted that it symbolizes a significant shift in how professional women’s football is operated in England. With all 23 professional teams having a stake in WPLL and the support of the Premier League, the structure is designed to facilitate growth and enhance the league's commercial viability.

Key Dates for the Upcoming Season

The 2024/25 Women's Super League season kicks off on September 19, 2024, with the first game set for September 22, while the Barclays Women's Championship will commence even earlier on the weekends of September 7 and 8. There will be a winter break from December 16 to January 18, culminating in the WSL's season end on May 10 and 11, 2025.

Looking Ahead

This dynamic shift indicates ambitious goals for the WSL to ascend to being the premier league globally. Women's football is on the path to greater heights, armed with dedicated leadership, fan support, and strategic financing.