WSL Football Reports £8.2m Loss in First Year Running Women’s Super League and Championship

WSL Football, the company responsible for running the top two tiers of women’s football in England, has reported an operating loss of £8.2m in its first year of operation.

The club-owned organisation, which was established in August 2024, oversees both the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship. Its newly published accounts cover the season ending 31 July 2025, marking its first year as a standalone entity.

WSL Football generated revenues of £17.4m during the period, with £8.4m coming from broadcasting deals and £8.5m from sponsorship and licensing. A further £128,000 was recorded from other income streams, including League Cup ticket sales.

The organisation said the £8.2m operating loss was expected, describing it as part of the early-stage investment required for a new body designed to support and protect its member clubs.

Although not reflected in the latest accounts, WSL Football said revenues have already tripled since it assumed control of the leagues. It added that increased rights fees from Barclays, Sky Sports and the BBC, along with new commercial partnerships with Nike, British Gas, Apple and Mercedes-Benz UK, will be reflected in the 2025-26 financial results.

Chief executive Nikki Doucet said the company was laying the foundations for long-term growth.

“We are at the beginning of a long-term growth journey, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and an expanded commercial platform,” Doucet said. “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 remain committed to continued investment in the game and our member clubs.”