Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
The Women’s Super League (WSL) kicked off at the weekend for the first time as an independent entity. Since 2011, the Football Association (FA) has run the top two tiers of women’s football in England. But the rights were sold and the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) now owns the WSL and Women’s Championship, and is hoping to unlock the potential in the growing interest in women’s football. On Monday morning it was announced that the WSL had signed a new three-year deal with Barclays to remain the title sponsor of the league, reportedly worth £45 million over three years – double the previous agreement. The arrangement is thought to be the biggest in women’s domestic football. In terms of league format, nothing has changed materially in the short term – the WSL still has 12 teams and the Championship 11 – but the new owners hope the league will become the most competitive in world football. In neat symmetry to the men’s Premier League games, the opening weekend saw Chelsea win, while Manchester City and Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
