September 23 – The new company overseeing the top two tiers of English women’s football and title sponsor Barclays have agreed the biggest deal in the history of the domestic game.
The deal, covering both the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship, is reported to be in the region of £45 million across three years starting from 2025 – double the previous arrangement which runs out at the end of this season.
The WSL has experienced significant growth especially in the wake of the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2022.
According to Barclays data, the league now attracts 3.2 million followers, with average attendance at matches up 283% since the 2021/22 season.
This is the first season the WSL and Championship have moved out from under the English Football Association umbrella, operating under a new, independent, club-owned company called Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL).
“Barclays has been a leading light when it comes to supporting women’s football, and they become a founding partner for WPLL as we embark on a transformational journey to grow the game,” said WPLL chief executive Nikki Doucet.
“This record multi-year investment demonstrates long-term commitment and is important because it provides positive endorsement for what we are trying to accomplish.”
In addition, the WSL has struck a deal with ESPN to see the network broadcast games across the US, South America and the Caribbean.
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