Is There a National Women’s Football League?

4 min.

Is There a National Women's Football League?

Women’s football has grown exponentially over the years, breaking barriers and proving that the sport is not just for men. But when it comes to organized leagues at the national level, many people wonder: Is there a national women’s football league?

The answer is yes—several national women’s football leagues exist across the world. From professional leagues in the United States and Europe to emerging competitions in Africa, Asia, and South America, women’s football is thriving like never before.

In this article, we’ll explore the biggest national women’s football leagues, their impact on the sport, and how they are shaping the future of women’s football worldwide.

Page Contents

The Evolution of National Women’s Football Leagues

When Did Women’s Football Begin?

Women’s football has been played for over 100 years, but it wasn’t always welcomed. The first recorded women’s football match dates back to 1895 in England. However, for decades, women’s football was sidelined, with governing bodies like the Football Association (FA) banning women from playing on official pitches until 1971.

By the late 20th century, national women’s football leagues began forming worldwide. The United States, Germany, England, and France became early pioneers in establishing structured leagues, paving the way for today’s thriving competitions.

National Women’s Football Leagues Around the World

Many countries now have national women’s football leagues, offering professional and semi-professional opportunities for female players. Here are some of the biggest and most prestigious leagues:

1. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – United States

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the top professional women’s football league in the United States. Established in 2012, the NWSL has become one of the world’s strongest leagues, featuring top talents such as Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Sam Kerr.

Number of Teams: 14 (as of 2024)
Season Format: Regular season + Playoffs
Notable Clubs: Portland Thorns, OL Reign, Chicago Red Stars
Impact: The NWSL has led the way in women’s football, with record-breaking attendance and TV ratings.

2. FA Women’s Super League (WSL) – England

England’s FA Women’s Super League (WSL) is one of the fastest-growing women’s football leagues in the world. Founded in 2010, the league is home to some of the biggest European clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

Number of Teams: 12
Season Format: League table + Champions League qualification
Notable Players: Fran Kirby, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson
Impact: The WSL has seen a surge in viewership, with live games now broadcast on BBC and Sky Sports.

3. Frauen-Bundesliga – Germany

The Frauen-Bundesliga is Germany’s premier women’s football league. Established in 1990, it has produced some of the best female footballers, including Birgit Prinz and Dzsenifer Marozsán.

Number of Teams: 12
Season Format: League table + Champions League spots
Notable Clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt
Impact: Germany’s league is known for developing top talent and consistently competing at the highest levels in Europe.

4. Division 1 Féminine – France

France’s Division 1 Féminine is home to Lyon, one of the most dominant women’s teams in the world. The league has been a powerhouse in European football, producing world-class players like Wendie Renard and Amandine Henry.

Number of Teams: 12
Season Format: League table + Champions League qualification
Notable Clubs: Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Bordeaux
Impact: Lyon has won more UEFA Women’s Champions League titles than any other club.

5. Liga F – Spain

Spain’s Liga F (formerly Primera División Femenina) has grown into one of the most competitive leagues, largely due to the rise of FC Barcelona Femení.

Number of Teams: 16
Season Format: League table + Champions League qualification
Notable Clubs: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid
Impact: Barcelona’s women’s team won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2021 & 2023, boosting the league’s popularity.

Other National Women’s Leagues

Women’s football is not just popular in Europe and the U.S.—other countries have also developed strong leagues, including:

Damallsvenskan (Sweden)
Brazilian Women’s League (Brasileirão Feminino)
Australian A-League Women (Australia)
Chinese Women’s Super League

Challenges Facing National Women’s Football Leagues

Despite the growth of women’s football, national leagues still face significant challenges:

1. Pay Gap & Investment Issues

Unlike men’s football, most women’s leagues struggle with low salaries and sponsorship funding. However, progress is being made, with leagues like the WSL and NWSL securing multi-million dollar sponsorship deals.

2. Media Coverage & Viewership

Women’s football still receives less media coverage than men’s leagues. However, with platforms like DAZN and major networks broadcasting more games, viewership is steadily increasing.

3. Youth Development & Grassroots Programs

To sustain long-term growth, national leagues need better grassroots programs. Countries like England, Germany, and Spain have invested heavily in women’s academies, creating a pipeline for future stars.

The Future of National Women’s Football Leagues

With growing investment, sponsorships, and fan support, the future of women’s football looks bright. Some key developments to watch:

Expansion of professional leagues – More teams and better financial backing.
Higher wages and improved working conditions – Players demanding equal pay and better contracts.
More TV broadcasting deals – Global audiences increasing access to women’s matches.
Growing grassroots programs – More young girls playing football at an elite level.

Leagues like the NWSL, WSL, and Liga F are setting new standards, inspiring the next generation of female footballers.