WSL football reports a £8.2 million loss for the first year of overseeing the top two tiers of the women's game in England.
This is an independent company owned by the club, which was established in August 2024 and took control of the WSL and the women's championship.
It published accounts for its first year as a standalone organisation, covering the season ending 31 July 2025. The same organisation that spent a significant amount of money on a new logo and branding for the leagues.
They reported an operating loss of £8.2 million on revenue of £17.4 million. But this was described as anticipated for a new entity focused on protecting and supporting as many clubs as possible.
The figures revealed that £9.41m was paid to member clubs last year.
A WSLF statement said:” Before we formed, club distributions were supported by additional funding grants for Barclays WSL2, which is no longer the case, and we did not want that to decrease.
“The result is an operating loss of £8.2m, which was fully anticipated as an early-stage organisation committed to protecting and supporting as many clubs as possible during this growth stage.”
“Our commitment to our member clubs means that currently, we are distributing as much to Barclays WSL2 clubs as we are to Barclays WSL clubs, providing everyone with the opportunity to grow.”
Of its revenue, £8.4 million came from broadcasting, £8.5 million from sponsorship and licensing, and £128,000 from other income, including League Cup ticket sales.
While this is from the 2024/25 season, they are already aiming to triple revenue this season 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."
Revenue will likely increase for the 2025/26 season due to improved broadcast rights deals with the BBC and Sky Sports.
Sky Sports signed a record deal, allowing them to broadcast 118 matches this season, three times more than the previous contract allowed.
The Athletic reports that broadcasting revenue is set to rise from £8.4m to £13m this season. WSL title sponsor Barclays also signed a £15m-a-year deal back in September 2024
Sky Sports could broadcast 50 more games with the WSL’s expansion to 14 teams next season, potentially increasing those numbers further.
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