What is the Women’s Version of the Premier League?

Football is a global sport, and while the English Premier League (EPL) is widely regarded as the most competitive and prestigious men’s football league, its women’s equivalent has been growing at an incredible pace. The Women’s Super League (WSL) is England’s top-tier professional football league for women, often referred to as the women’s version of the Premier League due to its high level of competition, global appeal, and the presence of major clubs.

The WSL has transformed women’s football in England, bringing it closer to the mainstream, attracting record-breaking attendances, and securing multi-million-dollar sponsorships. This article will explore what the Women’s Super League is, its structure, top teams, competition format, and how it has grown into one of the most prestigious women’s leagues in the world.

The Women’s Super League (WSL) – England’s Top Women’s Competition

What Is the Women’s Super League?

The Women’s Super League (WSL) is the top professional football league for women in England. Established in 2010 by the Football Association (FA), the WSL replaced the previous FA Women’s Premier League National Division. It has since evolved into a fully professional league, mirroring the men’s English Premier League in terms of structure, sponsorships, and global popularity.

How the WSL Works: Format and Competition Structure

The WSL operates on a promotion and relegation system with the second-tier FA Women’s Championship.

• Number of Teams: 12
• Season Duration: Runs from September to May
• Match Format: Each team plays 22 matches (home and away)
• Point System: A team earns 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss
• WSL Champion: The team with the highest points at the end of the season wins the WSL title
• UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualification: The top three teams qualify for Europe’s top women’s club competition
• Relegation: The bottom team is relegated to the FA Women’s Championship, and the top Championship team is promoted to the WSL

WSL vs. Premier League: What’s the Difference?

While the WSL and EPL share many similarities, there are a few key differences:

Despite these differences, both leagues represent the highest level of club football in England, and WSL is rapidly catching up to the EPL in terms of quality and viewership.

The Top Teams in the Women’s Super League

Several clubs dominate the WSL, and many of them also have successful men’s teams in the Premier League. The top clubs include:

1. Chelsea Women

• Most successful club in WSL history
• Won six league titles (as of 2024)
• Managed by Emma Hayes, a legendary coach in women’s football
• Home to top players like Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Lauren James

2. Arsenal Women

• Record 15-time English champions (when including pre-WSL titles)
• Won the first-ever WSL season in 2011
• Famous for developing English stars like Beth Mead and Leah Williamson

3. Manchester City Women

• Became a major force in women’s football in recent years
• Won WSL titles, FA Cups, and League Cups
• Invested heavily in facilities and youth development

4. Manchester United Women

• Only established in 2018, but quickly became one of England’s top teams
• Regular WSL title contenders and Champions League qualifiers
• Popular players include Alessia Russo and Ella Toone

How to Watch the Women’s Super League?

With its rapid growth, the WSL now has significant broadcasting deals, making it accessible to millions of fans worldwide.

WSL Broadcasters (UK & International)

• Sky Sports – Broadcasts selected matches live
• BBC Sport – Shows a few matches for free on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
• FA Player (Free Streaming Service) – Offers live streaming of most WSL games worldwide
• DAZN (Worldwide) – Holds rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League

For Australian viewers, WSL matches are available via Optus Sport, which also holds rights for the English Premier League.

Growth of the Women’s Super League

Since turning fully professional in 2018, the WSL has seen record-breaking growth:

• Record-Breaking Attendances:
  • Arsenal vs. Tottenham (2023) at Emirates Stadium – 60,000+ fans
  • Chelsea vs. Manchester United (2024 WSL Final) – Over 40,000 fans
• Increased Player Salaries:
  • Before 2018, many players worked second jobs
  • Now, top players earn over £200,000 per year
• Major Sponsorships:
  • Barclays became the WSL’s main sponsor, investing millions into the league

These changes mean the WSL is no longer just a secondary league—it’s becoming a global powerhouse in women’s football.

Conclusion

The Women’s Super League (WSL) is the official women’s equivalent of the Premier League, offering elite competition and showcasing some of the best female footballers in the world. Since its foundation in 2010, it has become one of the most competitive and commercially successful women’s leagues, setting the standard for women’s football worldwide.

As investment, sponsorship, and fan engagement continue to grow, the WSL is on course to become as prestigious as the English Premier League. With world-class clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City leading the way, the future of women’s football looks incredibly bright. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or new to the game, now is the perfect time to start following the WSL and be part of the movement driving women’s football to new heights.

Call to Action

Want to follow the WSL and support women’s football? Here’s how you can stay updated:

✔ Watch WSL games live on Sky Sports, BBC Sport, or The FA Player.
✔ Check out the latest news & results on The Guardian’s Women’s Football Section.
✔ Follow your favorite team’s social media to get behind-the-scenes content and updates.
✔ Attend live matches if you’re in the UK to experience the atmosphere of WSL games.

Which WSL team do you support? Let us know in the comments! ⚽

See Also: What Channel is Premier League On in Australia?