Women’s football has seen incredible growth in the past few decades, with professional leagues now established across the globe. These leagues serve as platforms for female athletes to compete at the highest level, bringing the sport closer to parity with men’s football in terms of exposure, investment, and opportunities. But with so many leagues operating worldwide, you may be wondering: What is the women’s league called?
This article explores the major women’s football leagues globally, their structures, and how they contribute to the development of the sport.
The Evolution of Women’s Football Leagues
Women’s football has historically faced obstacles, from bans in the early 20th century to a lack of investment in professional structures. However, in the last two decades, significant progress has been made, with FIFA, UEFA, and national federations prioritizing the development of women’s football.
Key milestones in the evolution of women’s leagues include:
- 1970s-1980s: Women’s leagues began to form, though most remained amateur.
- 1991: The first FIFA Women’s World Cup took place, boosting global interest in the sport.
- 2000s-2010s: Major leagues transitioned to professional or semi-professional status, increasing salaries and viewership.
- Present Day: Women’s leagues are now broadcast globally, with record-breaking attendance and sponsorship deals.
Major Women’s Football Leagues Around the World
Below is a breakdown of the top women’s football leagues in different regions.
1. England – Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL)
Established: 2010
Governing Body: The Football Association (FA)
Teams: 12
Format: Home and away round-robin, promotion/relegation with the Women’s Championship
The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) is the highest level of women’s football in England and one of the strongest leagues globally. Clubs like Chelsea FC Women, Arsenal Women, and Manchester City Women dominate the competition. Since turning fully professional in 2018, the WSL has attracted world-class players and lucrative sponsorships.
2. United States – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Established: 2013
Governing Body: U.S. Soccer
Teams: 14 (expanding to 16 by 2026)
Format: Single-table, playoffs
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the top-tier professional women’s league in the United States. Unlike other leagues, the NWSL operates without promotion or relegation. Teams like Portland Thorns FC, OL Reign, and San Diego Wave FC lead the competition, with high attendance numbers and strong fan engagement.
The league’s success has inspired global expansion and investment, making the NWSL one of the most competitive and financially stable leagues in women’s football.
➡️ Visit the Official NWSL Website for more details.
3. Spain – Liga F (Primera División Femenina)
Established: 1988
Governing Body: Royal Spanish Football Federation
Teams: 16
Format: Promotion/relegation with Reto Iberdrola
Spain’s Liga F (formerly known as Primera División Femenina) has grown significantly, largely due to the dominance of FC Barcelona Femení. The club’s recent UEFA Women’s Champions League wins have boosted the league’s reputation.
The league was fully professionalized in 2022, leading to better wages, training facilities, and sponsorship deals.
4. France – Division 1 Féminine (D1F)
Established: 1974
Governing Body: French Football Federation
Teams: 12
Format: Promotion/relegation with Division 2
The Division 1 Féminine (D1F) is one of the longest-running women’s leagues in the world. Clubs like Olympique Lyonnais Féminin have dominated, winning record UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.
The league has been a leader in investment and player development, helping France remain a powerhouse in international women’s football.
➡️ Learn more about Division 1 Féminine on the French Football Federation Website.
5. Germany – Frauen-Bundesliga
Established: 1990
Governing Body: German Football Association
Teams: 12
Format: Promotion/relegation with 2. Frauen-Bundesliga
The Frauen-Bundesliga is Germany’s premier women’s league and home to some of the best teams in Europe, including VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich Women. Germany has been a dominant force in women’s football, with clubs regularly competing for Champions League titles.
6. Australia – A-League Women
Established: 2008
Governing Body: Football Australia
Teams: 12
Format: Single-table, playoffs
The A-League Women is Australia’s top-tier women’s league, featuring teams like Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC Women. The league has served as a key development platform for Australian talent ahead of the Matildas’ success in international tournaments.
Impact of Women’s Football Leagues
Women’s football leagues are not just competitions—they play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport. Their impact includes:
✅ Increased Professionalism: More leagues are adopting full professional status, ensuring better wages and facilities.
✅ Greater Media Coverage: More leagues are securing broadcasting deals, leading to higher viewership.
✅ Pathways for Young Talent: Leagues create clear progression routes for young girls to develop into professional players.
✅ Investment & Sponsorships: Brands and investors are recognizing the financial viability of women’s football.
Despite these improvements, challenges remain. The fight for equal pay, media exposure, and investment continues in many regions. However, the rising attendance figures and sponsorship deals indicate a bright future.
Conclusion: Women’s Leagues Are Stronger Than Ever
So, what is the women’s league called? It depends on the country and its football structure!
From the Barclays Women’s Super League in England to the NWSL in the United States and Liga F in Spain, women’s football leagues are now thriving on a global scale.
Each league contributes to the sport’s evolution, providing a competitive, professional, and inspiring platform for female athletes. As investment and fan engagement continue to grow, the future of women’s football has never looked brighter!
Call to Action
Want to support women’s football? Attend matches, watch broadcasts, and follow your favorite teams on social media!
Stay updated on women’s football leagues worldwide by visiting their official websites and subscribing to their news feeds.
Share this article with fellow football fans and help spread awareness about the growth of the women’s game!
Let’s continue to grow and celebrate women’s football together!
See Also: When Did a League Start?
