WSL revenues soared 34% during 2023-24 season

Revenues for Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs soared by 34% during a record-breaking 2023-24 season.

The 12 teams in the WSL amassed a combined revenue of £65m, with each club generating more than £1m for the first time.

Analysis from the Deloitte Sports Business Group found revenues grew from £48m in the 2022-23 season to £65m the following campaign.

The increase was driven by growth in commercial revenue, which increased by 53% from the previous season and now accounts for 40% of WSL clubs’ total revenue.

Matchday revenue increased by 73%, up to £12m, driven by a 31% increase in average league attendance.

The 2023-24 season followed England reaching the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, which they lost to Spain.

However, average attendance dropped by 10% to 6,642 the following season, which has been put down to a lack of international football drawing attention to the domestic game.

During the 2023-24 season, clubs’ combined pre-tax losses increased to £28m – up from £21m in 2022-23.

However, Deloitte is forecasting revenues to top £100m across the league at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, helped by the upcoming Euros 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 is 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.”