WSL clubs’ revenues double in season following the Lionesses’ historic Women’s Euros triumph at Wembley
Annual Football Finance report says "uplifts in commercial and matchday income" have contributed to growth.
WOMEN’S Super League clubs’ aggregate revenues rose by 50 per cent with teams generating £48million in the season before last (2022-23).
And the collective revenues of top tier sides are expected to rise to £68million next term, according to finance firm Deloitte.
The company’s Annual Review of Football Finance, published today, says uplifts in commercial and matchday income have contributed to the growth in profits for WSL clubs.
In the season that followed England winning the Women’s 2022 Euros, accumulative matchday revenues among WSL sides grew to £7m as they pushed to boost attendance.
And last season, for the first time ever, collective attendance at games exceeded the one million mark across the top tier and Women’s Championship.
Deloitte’s Sports Business insight lead Jenny Haskel, said: “WSL clubs are home to world-class players whose success on the international stage has drawn new fans to the domestic game.
“Driving a loyal fanbase, habitual viewing and distinct commercial partnerships was a clear priority for WSL clubs in the 2022/23 season
“The soaring revenue growth achieved demonstrates the strides that have been made.
“However we’re still in the foothills of growth in the women’s game.
“With NewCo set to step into the governance role in place of the FA this year, WSL clubs will be both participants in the competition and shareholders off the pitch.
“As NewCo concentrates on growing the popularity, standards, and visibility of the women’s game in England, collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders will be an important element to continuing the efforts to attract the attention of commercial partners, investors, and crucially, fans.”
Deloitte’s report outlined commercial earnings as the driver of income growth for clubs, representing 35% of total revenue (£17m) for top tier sides.
Manchester United, their neighbours Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, all reported commercial revenues of over £1m.
The Red Devils’ figure was £5.2m and Man City’s was £3.6m.
Meanwhile Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s reported were £3m and Tottenham Hotspur £1.7m.
However WSL sides also experienced pre-tax losses between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons with this figure rising from £14m to £21m
This is despite being alleviated by the inclusion of £17.4m of group income for certain clubs.
Deloitte’s review found that while the average revenue for WSL clubs was £4m in the season before last (2022/23), up from £2.7m in the previous year, there remained a disparity across the league.
The league’s top four revenue-generating clubs make up 66% of the total profit for the division.
Deloitte Sports Business lead partner, Tim Bridge added: “Many women’s clubs continue to rely on financial contributions from their wider group structure.
“However this is not a new revelation in football where many owners prop up the shortfalls of loss-making clubs.
“It’s important the industry does not hold women’s clubs to a profitability metric that the wider game has yet to consistently achieve.
“We’re seeing significant growth across the women’s game and continued investment is key.”