The top two English women’s leagues have formally separated from the Football Association to establish the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd (WPLL), an autonomous competition.
The WPLL will assume charge of every facet of the professional women’s game in England, a move that is reminiscent of the top men’s division’s 1992 split from the Football League to establish the independent Premier League. The WPLL, formerly known as NewCo, will soon have a new name, but for now, the emphasis is on getting everything set up in time for the start of the new season next month.
The Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship, the top two divisions of the English women’s professional game, consist of 24 clubs. Last year, these teams decided to form a new, independent organization whose sole purpose would be to promote and develop women’s sports. Before being established in 2011 and 2014, respectively, the two leagues were governed by the English Football Association (FA).
Each of the 24 clubs will act as a shareholder in the new company which the WPLL claims is “dedicated to driving growth and maximizing potential, placing players and fans at its core.” Despite a season of record-breaking attendances, they insist that they will not prioritise short-term income stating that “it is essential to invest in infrastructure and resources ahead of revenue to start this transformational journey and to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.”
Canadian Nikki Doucet, who was named CEO of the erstwhile “NewCo” in November 2023, will serve as the WPLL’s leader. Former Citibank and Nike executive Doucet has come under fire for drawing comparisons between the women’s game and the Glastonbury festival, citing the latter’s openness and acceptance as examples of the former’s inclusiveness while hurting the competitive spirit of the sport.
“This is a key moment in the development of the professional women’s game in England,” said Richard Masters, the Chief Executive of the Premier League, “and we are pleased to be able to support Women’s Professional Leagues Limited both financially and by providing expertise in several 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 the professional game. We look forward to being closely involved in this exciting period for women’s football.”
Upon the registration of the WPLL with Companies House in London, 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 that prioritizes the welfare and development of players, fosters and excites a vibrant fan community, and nurtures the sport’s growth.”