Revenue for WSL clubs increases by over one third

Revenues for Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs surged by 34% during a record-breaking 2023–24 season.

Collectively, the 12 WSL clubs generated £65 million in revenue, marking the first time each club exceeded £1 million individually.

According to analysis by the Deloitte Sports Business Group, league-wide revenues rose from £48 million in the 2022–23 season to £65 million the following year.

This growth was primarily driven by a 53% increase in commercial revenue, which now constitutes 40% of total income across the league.

A significant proportion of the revenue was generated by four clubs: Arsenal (£15.3m), Chelsea (£11.5m), Manchester United (£9.2m), and Manchester City (£6.6m), together accounting for two-thirds of total earnings across the division.

Matchday revenue rose by 73% to reach £12 million, underpinned by a 31% increase in average league attendance.

The 2023–24 campaign followed England’s run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, which they lost to Spain. Despite the momentum, average league attendance fell by 10% to 6,642 in the subsequent season, attributed to the absence of major international tournaments spotlighting the domestic game.

Pre-tax losses across WSL clubs increased to £28 million, up from £21 million in the previous season.

Nonetheless, Deloitte projects that total league revenues will exceed £100 million by the end of the 2025–26 season, supported in part by the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO in Switzerland.

“Women’s football in England is evolving rapidly,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner at the Deloitte Sports Business Group.

“While challenges remain, it is clear there is potential for a passionate and engaged fanbase to drive the game’s development.

“Capitalising on major international tournaments is important at specific points in time, but sustainable growth hinges on the domestic league’s organic development.”

Bridge also emphasised that ensuring a “competitive balance is a key priority” for the WSL’s long-term sustainability, noting the widening financial gap between the league’s highest- and lowest-earning clubs.