Women’s football enters a new era
Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has officially taken over responsibility for the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) and Barclays Women’s Championship from The FA.
Described as ‘the beginning of a new era for women’s professional football in England’ the completion of the agreement sees the game’s top two tiers transfer ownership to WPLL, a newly formed independent company which has previously been known as ‘NewCo’.
Each of the 23 clubs participating in the two leagues will act as a shareholder in a move that aims to ‘drive growth and maximise potential, place players and fans at its core.’
Now fully independent from the FA, WPLL has secured funding from the Premier League with an initial interest-free £20m loan from the top-flight in the men’s game which will be used to ‘build strong foundations and invest in areas such as recruitment and the development of long-term projects.’
The Premier League has also committed to offering ‘extensive support and knowledge-sharing in a wide range of areas, including broadcasting, commercial and football operations.’
In the announcement, WPLL stated that its principles defining the new company’s identity include dedication to women’s football, building the foundation for growth, developing a progressive company culture, and collaborating with stakeholders.
The company will be led by CEO Nikki Doucet, a former director at Nike.
Doucet, commented, “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.
“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 & excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport’s growth.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The FA for its outstanding work in developing the sport. We look forward to building upon this solid foundation and elevating women’s professional football in England to unprecedented levels.”
The FA retains a ‘special share’ in the company which gives it the right to a portion of the revenue once thresholds are met, to reinvest in grassroots women’s and girls’ football projects.
Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, commented, “We are very proud of the growth that, together with the clubs, we have driven in the women’s professional game. I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to establish and evolve our leagues to be amongst the best in the world.
“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.”
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