WSL Football reports £8.2m loss for first year

WSL Football - the company which oversees the top two tiers of the women's game in England - has reported an operating loss of £8.2m in its first year.

The independent company, which is owned by clubs, was set up in August 2024 and controls the Women's Super League and Women's Championship.

It has published accounts relating to its first year as a standalone organisation - covering the season ending 31 July 2025.

WSL Football reported an operating loss of £8.2m off revenue of £17.4m, but said this was "anticipated for a new entity focused on protecting and supporting as many clubs as possible".

Of its revenue, £8.4m came from broadcasting, £8.5m from sponsorship and licensing, and £128,000 from other income including League Cup ticket sales.

While not reflected in this year's financial statements, WSL Football claims it has tripled its revenue since taking over.

"Increased rights fees from Barclays, Sky Sports and the BBC plus new deals with Nike, British Gas, Apple and Mercedes Benz-UK will be reflected in the 2025-26 accounts," it said in a statement.

Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, added: "We are at the beginning of a long‑term growth journey, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and increased commercial platform.

"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 we are committed to continued investment into the game and our member clubs."

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed