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A Fresh Start for the Beautiful Game
The landscape of women’s football in England is set for a transformative change with the establishment of a new club-owned organisation, NewCo, which is poised to take control of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship. The shift in governance is scheduled to be operational from the upcoming 2024-25 season, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution.
Transition Timeline and New Leadership
NewCo’s stewardship will commence in time for the Women’s Championship kick-off on September 7-8, with the WSL following suit two weekends later. The handover from the Football Association (FA), which has managed the leagues since their inception in 2010 and 2014 respectively, will end a 14-year period of FA oversight. Nikki Doucet, a former Nike executive, has been at the forefront of NewCo as its chief executive since her appointment ten months ago.
FA’s Legacy and NewCo’s Vision
Under the FA’s guidance, both the WSL and Women’s Championship have undergone a journey of growth and professionalisation. This includes the successful negotiation of multimillion-pound broadcast deals with Sky Sports and the BBC. NewCo aims to build on this foundation, with its first board meeting set for September and an inaugural shareholder meeting planned for October. Additionally, efforts are underway to form a fans’ advisory group to further involve supporters in the league’s development.
Strengthening the Team Off the Pitch
To ensure a smooth transition and robust management, NewCo has been bolstering its ranks with key appointments. A temporary chief marketing officer is already in place, a chief football officer has been appointed, and a chief revenue officer is set to join the organisation on September 2.
Expanding Access to the Game
In a move that will delight fans across the globe, NewCo’s takeover coincides with plans to stream WSL matches on YouTube in the next season, widening the audience and accessibility of the game. While the FA Player platform will no longer stream league fixtures, it will continue to offer live coverage of Women’s FA Cup matches.
As NewCo gears up to lead women’s football into a new chapter, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting future for the sport in England.
