Senior players in the Women’s Super League (WSL) will now be guaranteed a minimum annual salary of £40,000 under newly introduced financial regulations. The rules, which came into effect this season, mark a significant milestone in the drive to make women’s football fully professional across England’s top two divisions.
The salary floor has been structured around age and league tier. Players aged 23 and above in the WSL will earn at least £40,000 a year, while those in the second-tier Championship will also see improved minimum pay levels. The lowest bracket for younger players in the Championship will sit above the national living wage, ensuring that all players in both divisions can pursue football as their full-time profession for the first time.
The change comes after years of disparity, with some Championship clubs previously paying less than the minimum wage, forcing players to seek additional employment. The new salary structure aims to improve living standards, enhance professionalism, and retain top talent within the domestic leagues.
Financially, the WSL’s senior player salary floor surpasses the minimum wage of the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), currently set at $48,500 (£36,100). This further reinforces the league’s growing reputation as one of the most competitive and lucrative environments in women’s football. The NWSL, however, plans to raise its minimum salary to $82,500 by 2030, intensifying global competition for elite players.
English clubs have been increasingly active in the international transfer market, with several record-breaking deals this year. Chelsea’s signings of USA defenders Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, along with Arsenal’s acquisition of Canada’s Olivia Smith, have all exceeded £900,000. London City Lionesses made headlines with the £1.4 million signing of Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain, setting a new world record.
While the WSL has opted against a salary cap, it has implemented stronger financial controls to maintain balance and sustainability. Clubs may now spend up to 80% of their women’s team’s revenue, supplemented by a capped £4 million owner contribution. This structure aims to prevent excessive spending while supporting ambitious clubs like London City, whose ownership by Michele Kang has fueled substantial investment following their promotion.
The new rules represent a defining step toward establishing financial stability and equality within women’s football, ensuring players are rewarded fairly for their growing contributions to the sport.
