The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), formerly NewCo, which takes over management of the Women’s Super League (WSL) from the FA, has received a £20 million interest-free loan from the Premier League as the top two leagues of women’s football in England become independent for the first time.
The announcement came after it was announced last November that women’s football in England would no longer be governed by the English Football Association from next year, but by an independent organisation provisionally called NewCo. The aim of the move is to set new standards in football.
As part of the investment, the Premier League will sit on the board of the WPLL until the loan is fully repaid.
Every club participating in the WSL and the Championship (the second division of women’s football) will act as a shareholder in the new company.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters said: “This is a pivotal moment in the development of professional women’s football in England and we are delighted to be able to support Women’s Professional Leagues Limited both financially and by providing expertise in a number of key areas.”
“The Premier League is proud to support football at all levels and over the last few years we have increased our support for women’s and girls’ football. This ranges from investing in developing career pathways for young players to supporting the professional game. We look forward to being closely involved in this exciting time for women’s football.”
The WPLL is led by former Nike executive Nikki Doucet, who is driving plans for a reimagined professional women’s soccer league. This new initiative aims to revolutionize the sport by creating the world’s most unique, competitive and exciting women’s soccer league that appeals to both current and future players and fans.
“The next successful era of professional women’s football will be built on the foundations of collaboration and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to drive transformative and sustainable growth in our leagues by leveraging the special qualities, values and principles of the women’s game,” said Doucet, CEO of the WPPL.
“Women’s football in England has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, characterised by greater fan engagement, increasing attendances at matches and a rise in participation at all levels. We are determined to build on this momentum by creating a thriving landscape that prioritises player welfare and development, encourages and excites a vibrant fanbase and supports the growth of the sport.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the FA for their outstanding work in developing the sport. We look forward to building on these solid foundations and taking professional women’s football in England to unprecedented levels.”
The WPPL was founded on four key principles: commitment to women’s football, building a foundation for growth, developing a progressive culture and collaborating with stakeholders. The organisation has a start-up mentality and promotes a test and learn approach to drive ambition, progress and adaptability.
Sources have previously told ESPN that the company is on track for the takeover before the start of the 2024-25 season, with the first season under its control serving as a “bridge” while the takeover takes shape. The WPLL will share services with the FA, which has run the league to date.
WSL chair Dawn Airey will now chair the WPLL board, with both the FA and Premier League having seats. Sean Cornwell, Maria Raga Frances and Malcolm Kpedekpo will be independent non-executive board members.
