June 10 – Any lingering doubts about women’s football’s growth have been emphatically dispelled as the English Women’s Super League (WSL) announced club revenues rose by a record-breaking 34% during the 2023-24 season.
The 12 teams combined for £65 million in revenue, with each club generating more than £1 million for the first time. This represents a £17 million increase from the 2022-23 season’s total of £48 million.
The surge was primarily driven by commercial revenue, which jumped 53% from the previous season and now accounts for 40% of WSL clubs’ total income. The “big four” clubs – Arsenal (£15.3m), Chelsea (£11.5m), Manchester United (£9.2m), and Manchester City (£6.6m) – generated two-thirds of the league’s total revenue.
Matchday revenue also climbed dramatically, increasing 73% to £12 million, despite an average attendance drop of 10%.
Analysts from the Deloitte Sports Business Group forecast revenues will top £100 million across the league by the end of the 2025-26 campaign, helped by the upcoming European Championships in Switzerland.
“Women’s football in England is evolving rapidly,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group. “While challenges remain, it’s clear there is potential for a passionate and engaged fanbase to drive the game’s development. Capitalising on major international tournaments is important at specific points in time, but sustainable growth hinges on the domestic league’s organic development.”
Bridge noted that “competitive balance is a key priority” for sustaining long-term growth, as the gap widens between top-earning and lowest-earning clubs.
With a new five-year broadcast deal between Sky Sports and the BBC ensuring almost every WSL match will be televised live from the 2025-26 campaign, women’s football in England has never been stronger.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1749615665labto1749615665ofdlr1749615665owedi1749615665sni@r1749615665etsbe1749615665w.kci1749615665n1749615665