League providing funding and knowledge-sharing for new independent company running the Barclays Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship

Today marks the beginning of a new era for women’s professional football in England, with the Premier League providing a variety of support to the new independent company running the top two tiers of the game.

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) will take over responsibility for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship from The Football Association (FA). Each club participating in these leagues will act as a shareholder in the new company.

WPLL will be supported by the Premier League through a co-operation and funding agreement. This includes a £20million interest-free loan, which will provide vital capital to build strong foundations and invest in areas such as recruitment and the development of long-term projects.

The Premier League will also offer extensive support and knowledge-sharing in a wide range of areas, including broadcasting, commercial and football operations.

WPLL CEO Nikki Doucet said: “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 and excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport's growth.”

The Premier League’s support for WPLL is in addition to more than £21 million the League has invested into developing the women’s and girls’ game between 2022 and 2025. This has covered the following areas:

- FA Emerging Talent Centres. There are now 73 confirmed centres, doubling the number of centres, and player numbers have risen from 1,722 to more than 5,000. 

- FA Women’s National League. New strategy to strengthen the third and fourth tiers of women’s football in England. See here for more on the funding’s impact.

- Developing and diversifying the future football workforce. This focuses on enabling younger people to access and understand opportunities in football on and off the pitch. More than 1,200 young people have been supported through leadership courses, training and mentoring.

- £10.5m into the WSL and Women’s Championship to enhance the leagues and clubs.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “This is a key moment in the development of the professional women’s game in England and we are pleased to be able to support Women’s Professional Leagues Limited both financially and by providing expertise in a number of key areas.

“The Premier League is proud to develop the game at all levels and in recent years we have enhanced our support for women’s and girls’ football. This ranges from investing in the development of pathways for young players to support for the professional game. We look forward to being closely involved in this exciting period for women’s football.”