WSL Takeover Complete: A new independent body Recently, women’s football’s top two tiers marked a transformative moment for the sport. Women’s Sessional Leagues Limited (WPLL) now governs the Women’s League (WSL) and Women’s Sonship, promising to elevate the game to unprecedented heights. Here’s a breakdown of the immediate changes, prospects, and the new leadership structure.
Immediate Changes Post-Takeover
The WPLL, previously known as NewCo, now assumes complete control of England’s women’s leagues. This new governance structure is designed to foster growth and stability. The Premier League has provided the WPLL with a substantial £20 million interest-free loan. This financial backing is a significant step towards enhancing the structure and operational capabilities.
Additionally, WPLL’ ‘s dependence on the Football Association (FA) allows it to make autonomous decisions. The WPLL will oversee all aspects of the WSL and Championship, including managing league operations and commercial strategies. Each of the 23 clubs in these leagues now holds a stake in the WPLL, reinforcing a sense of ownership and commitment among the teams.
What Funding and Support
This support is crucial for the WPLL as it navigates the complexities of running top-tier football leagues. Furthermore, the FA retains a “spec” al share” in “the WPLL, ensuring it benefits from revenue surpluses, which will be reinvested into grassroots women’s basketball, which is expected to undergo a rebranding soon. While the organization is currently known as WPLL, a new name may better reflect its mission and vision. Another significant development is the negotiation of a new broadcasting deal. The current agreement with BBC Sport and Sky Sports concludes after the 2024-25 season, presenting an opportunity for the WPLL to secure a more lucrative and extensive broadcasting contract.
The WPLL also means it can implement changes in the league structure, invest in advanced technology, and refine officiating standards.
The New Board and Leadership Team
The WPLL board comprises a mix of experienced professionals and industry experts. Dawn Airey, who previously oversaw the leagues within the FA, is a vital member of this board. Other notable members include:
- Sean Cornwell: Former CEO of Immediate Media.
- Maria Raga Frances: Former CEO of Depop.
- Malcolm Kpedekpo: Ex-professional footballer and non-executive director of the Scottish Football Association.
The new leadership team includes a Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Football Officer, and Chief Revenue Officer. This leadership structure is designed to drive the WPLL’WPLL’stegic objectives and ensure effective management of the leagues.
Summary
The WPLL’s takeover of the WSL and Championship signals a new era in English women’s football. As the organization moves forward, the focus will be on leveraging these changes to foster growth, improve player welfare, and excite fans.
