Wsl Teams Saw 50% Revenue Increase After England’s Euro 2022 Win
WSL clubs saw a 50% revenue increase during the 2022/23 season following the England Lionesses’ Euro 2022 win, according to the Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance.
The report revealed that clubs delivered an aggregate revenue of £48m for 2022/23, up from £32m from the previous season, and more than double the £20m average from 2020/21.
WSL teams generated an average revenue of £4m in 2022/23, marking an increase on £2.7m the previous season.
The Deloitte Sports Business Group predicts that WSL team revenues will continue their upward trajectory, forecasting average club income to reach £52m for the 2023/24 season, and £68m for the 2024/25 campaign.
Commercial revenue represented 35% (£17m) of clubs’ total income, while broadcast revenue accounted for 15% (£7.2m).
Other findings include an increase in match-day revenue to £7m across the WSL after the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph.
Meanwhile, cumulative attendance across the WSL and Women’s Championship, the top two tiers of English women’s football, eclipsed the one million mark for the first time during 2023/24.
From next season, the WSL and Women’s Championship will be governed by NewCo, a newly formed body that will take over from the FA.
Last November, Nikki Doucet was appointed as the CEO of NewCo to oversee all aspects of the two leagues in order to help further grow the women’s professional game.
“Driving a loyal fanbase, habitual viewing and distinct commercial partnerships was a clear priority for WSL clubs in the 2022/23 season and the soaring revenue growth achieved demonstrates the strides that have been made,” said Jenny Haskel, Knowledge and Insight Lead at the Deloitte Sports Business Group.
“However, we’re still in the foothills of growth in the women’s game. With NewCo set to step into the governance role in place of the FA this year, WSL clubs will be both participants in the competition and shareholders off the pitch.
“As NewCo concentrates on growing the popularity, standards, and visibility of the women’s game in England, collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders will be an important element to continuing the efforts to attract the attention of commercial partners, investors, and crucially, fans.”
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