August 15 – A significant milestone has been reached in women’s professional football in England with the formal transfer of ownership of the top two tiers to a newly established independent entity, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL).
WPLL now holds responsibility for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, taking over from The Football Association (FA) with the long-awaited deal now officially completed.
The new structure sees each club within these leagues become a shareholder in the company, marking the start of what the partners described as a transformative era focused on growth and development with a strong emphasis on players and fans.
WPLL CEO Nikki Doucet said her aim is to create the most competitive women’s football club competition globally. The focus is on building a future that resonates with both current and future generations of players and supporters.
“The next successful era of the women’s professional game will be built on the foundations of collaboration, and we are excited to work together with all stakeholders to drive transformational and sustainable growth across our leagues by leveraging the distinctive qualities, values and principles which exist in the women’s game,” said Doucet.
“Women’s football in England has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by increased fan engagement, rising attendance at matches, and a surge in participation at all levels. We are fiercely committed to building on this momentum by creating a thriving landscape which prioritises the welfare and development of players, fosters and excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport’s growth.
The key aims of the new company are outlined as building the foundation for growth, developing a progressive company culture and collaborating with stakeholders all whilst remaining dedicated to specifically women’s football.
Dawn Airey, chair of the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited board of directors said: “We are excited to harness the full potential of women’s football. We know that with a unified vision and collaborative effort, we can shape an exhilarating future for women’s football, inspiring and delighting both the current and next generation of players and fans.”
Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “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.”
The Premier League is also lending expertise and financial support to the new women’s league business.
“This is a key moment in the development of the professional women’s game in England and we are pleased to be able to support Women’s Professional Leagues Limited both financially and by providing expertise in a number of key areas… This ranges from investing in the development of pathways for young players to support for the professional game,” said Richard Masters, Premier League chief executive.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734934686labto1734934686ofdlr1734934686owedi1734934686sni@g1734934686niwe.1734934686yrrah1734934686