September 4 – Salaries have long been a bone of contention in the Women’s Super League (WSL). But a breakthrough has now been announced with minimum salaries introduced this season.
WSL Football, the company that oversees the professional women’s game in England, has made a requirement for the game’s top two divisions. The minimum level has yet to be disclosed, but it has been described as a “full-time wage.”
“We feel that’s a really positive move. We have so many players who have had to juggle part-time roles while playing football,” said Holly Murdoch, WSL Football’s chief operating officer. “Being able to ensure all our players can earn a full-time wage from football is very, very important. I would say it’s the start as it’s a framework we can develop on.”
The move comes at a time when salaries in the women’s game are under the microscope. While average WSL players earn between £25,000 and £40,000, the league’s top stars command far more. Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, widely regarded as the WSL’s top earner, is reported to take home around £400,000 a year, plus significant endorsement deals taking that tab up to a reported £3m. The new thresholds won’t close that gap, but they will ensure that mooted ‘living wage.’
“We have worked really closely with the PFA on what those thresholds should look like. We will be reviewing that constantly,” Murdoch added.
Beyond wages, the league is tightening standards around performance environments. Clubs must meet new requirements, including appointing a full-time “performance wellbeing” role by season’s end. “We want to make sure we are preparing our players for life on the pitch, both mentally and physically, as well as off it. That role is critical,” Murdoch said.
Nike is also stepping in to build and promote the women’s game and has signed a multi-year deal with the WSL, which will include supplying boots and goalkeeper gloves to all players without endorsement contracts. Meanwhile, athlete-led group Kyniska Advocacy will provide players with a confidential safeguarding and welfare service.
As Murdoch put it: “We know that due to the fact the game has grown so rapidly, we have disparity. Part of that creates a competitive advantage, so there are elements we have to mandate.”