Today marks the beginning of a new era for women’s professional football in England with the completion of the agreement to transfer ownership of its top two tiers to a new independent company.
Previously known as NewCo, the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has taken over responsibility for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship from The Football Association (FA).
Each club participating in these leagues will act as a shareholder in the new company. The completion of the agreement spearheads a new era in the sport, dedicated to driving growth and maximising potential, placing players and fans at its core.
Led by CEO Nikki Doucet, the new company is founded on a new vision and mission to transform women’s football by building the most distinctive, competitive, and entertaining women’s football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow.
The Premier League will support women’s Professional Leagues Limited through a cooperation and funding agreement. This includes a £20 million interest-free loan which will provide vital capital to build strong foundations and invest in areas such as recruitment and the development of long-term projects.
The Premier League will also offer extensive support and knowledge-sharing in a wide range of areas, including broadcasting, commercial and football operations. This is in addition to the £21 million the Premier League has invested into developing the women’s and girls’ game between 2022 and 2025.
Overall, this development is something to celebrate, but as a fan of football beyond these top divisions, it’s clear that it also widens the gap between clubs in the professional tiers and those in the National League and below. A pyramid is only as strong as its foundation. If the professional divisions don’t support the National League and encourage investment at its grassroots, we risk creating a closed monopoly that could stifle the broader growth of the game.
I believe that in the coming years, it will become impossible for any club to break into this group without the backing of a Premier League team.
This season marks a significant milestone in the Women’s Super League, as every club is now affiliated with a Premier League team. This shift highlights the growing financial power within the league, making it increasingly difficult for clubs like Reading and Watford, with strong footballing histories but less financial muscle, to compete at this level.
I would have been concerned for the London City Lionesses’ future had it not been for the investment from Michelle Kang. Without similar investment, I fear Durham may struggle to remain in the Women’s Championship over the next two years.
Let’s hope that there is a big push for reforming the whole women’s football pyramid as it’s been quite a depressing summer given the strife at a large number of clubs. It is vital that the National League recieves further investment. As the fine folks at Lewes said, a rising tide lifts all ships.
