WSL & Women's Championship to be run by clubs

A New Era for Women’s Football in England: WPL Takes Over Ownership

Unprecedented Growth and Excitement Builds

Women’s football in England has been witnessing unprecedented growth in recent years, with increased fan engagement, rising attendance at matches, and a surge in participation at all levels. To build on this momentum, the Football Association (FA) has decided to transfer the ownership of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship to the Women’s Professional Leagues (WPL) Limited, a new dedicated independent organization for the women’s game in England.

The WPL: A New Name and New Era

Previously referred to as "Newco", the WPL has now been named, and its Chief Executive, Nikki Ducet, has outlined her vision for the next successful era of the women’s professional game. According to Ducet, the foundation of this new era will be built on collaboration, with a focus on driving transformational and sustainable growth across the leagues. The WPL is committed to creating a thriving landscape that prioritizes the welfare and development of players, fosters and excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport’s growth.

FA and Premier League Involved

While the FA is relinquishing ownership, they will retain a seat on the board of the WPL, along with the Premier League, who have invested £2 million in an interest-free loan to support recruitment and long-term projects. The Premier League’s involvement marks a significant commitment to the growth of women’s football in England.

New Season Approaches

The new season is set to kick off in September, with teams in the WSL and Women’s Championship set to become shareholders in the WPL. This new structure is designed to give teams a greater say in the running of the leagues and allow them to share in the financial rewards of their success.

Mark Bullingham’s Words of Wisdom

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham reflected on the move, saying, "We are very proud of the growth that together with the clubs we have driven in the women’s professional game. Now is the opportunity for Nikki to lead the next phase of growth with an independent company purely focused on women’s professional football. I have no doubt that she and the team will take the leagues to new heights, and we look forward to supporting them on this exciting journey."

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