Latest news with #WPLL
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
WSL rebrand is a shoddy attempt to Americanise our game and chase the Taylor Swift generation. Focus on the real problems in the women's game or there won't be a future left to play for, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH
On Monday, it was announced that the first and second tiers of women's football – the WSL and the Championship – would now be united under an 'umbrella'. The WSL would keep its name, while the Championship would become 'WSL2'. In the same announcement, Women's Super League Football – formerly WPLL, formerly NewCo (there's a theme here!) – would be the name of the company taking charge of this new venture.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Women's Super League to keep relegation after talks over controversial pause
Teams will continue to be relegated from the Women's Super League and Women's Championship beyond 2026, the Guardian can reveal, with the idea of temporarily removing relegation no longer being pursued. The company that runs the top two women's divisions in England, Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), had discussed a four-year pause to relegation to grow both leagues from 2026. That was one of a range of options that clubs and other stakeholders have been consulted on this season. Related: Watford's Renée Hector: 'It always helps to see somebody who looks like you' It is understood no decision has been taken about how the formats will change from 2026. The league is believed to be exploring several innovative alterations that could make the top of the women's pyramid look very different from the English men's format. WPLL did not wish to comment when approached by the Guardian. In March the WPLL's chief executive, Nikki Doucet, did not deny that a relegation pause was being explored but said: 'We believe promotion and relegation is a great thing. It adds jeopardy and excitement.' The idea was never submitted to the Football Association for ratification. Sources have said there was opposition to a relegation pause among FA figures and at Sky Sports, which broadcasts most live WSL fixtures. On Wednesday, the Football Supporters' Association published the results of a survey of women's football fans, which showed that 53.8% of supporters surveyed opposed pausing relegation and 90.2% agreed that 'promotion and relegation are a vital part of the integrity of the pyramid'. A large majority (84%) supported expanding the divisions. The FSA's head of women's football, Deborah Dilworth, said: 'We thank those fans who took the time to provide us with their feedback on these vital issues, and will ensure that the fans' voice is heard by the game's decision makers as the consultation process continues. While it's clear that supporters are in favour of an expanded top two tiers, they've been equally clear that it can't come at the expense of competitive football and the principles of earning your spot at the top of the pyramid.' The WSL was a closed league without relegation when it launched in 2011 as a breakaway league. Currently one team are relegated to the Championship and one promoted, which this summer will be Crystal Palace and London City Lionesses respectively. At the bottom of the Championship two go down but this season Sheffield United will be the only relegated team after Reading's withdrawal from the second tier for financial reasons last summer. Coming up from the third tier are Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest, leading to 12 teams in each of the two top divisions.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
WSL announces rebrand as England's second tier gets new name
The Women's Super League (WSL) has announced a rebrand ahead of the 2025/26 season, which includes a new name for the second tier of women's football in England. The league formerly known as the Women's Championship, which was topped by London City Lionesses this year, will now be known as WSL2, bringing both leagues under the same umbrella. The Women's Professional League Limited (WPLL), who assumed ownership of the top two tiers from the FA ahead of the 2024/25 season, has also given the WSL a new visual identity, while rebranding its top flight's company name to WSL Football. The rebrand includes new logos and colour schemes which were unveiled on Monday, which will be seen across kits and merchandise of clubs as well as on footballs. 'No one plays football like a female — it is our strength and the way players move is one element of what makes women's football distinctive and special,' said WSL Football chief marketing officer Ruth Hooper. 'It has taken months of work, and we have spoken to clubs, fans, players and partners who have all inputted during the process and been on this journey with us. 'There is a lot more in store over the coming months as we continue to grow the women's game for the future.' This is the first major change WSL Football has actioned since it took control of the WSL and WSL2 last summer. The WSL season concluded on Saturday as Chelsea completed an invincible season to be crowned champions for a sixth successive season, while Crystal Palace were condemned to relegation.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Women's Super League announces rebrand with new league name and ‘visual identity'
The Women's Super League (WSL), the top level of women's football in England, has revealed a rebrand for the 2025-26 season. The move sees the second-tier Women's Championship renamed as WSL2, bringing both leagues under the same umbrella. Advertisement The Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the independent body that oversees both leagues, has also rebranded to Women's Super League Football (WSL Football). The WPLL assumed ownership of the top two tiers from the Football Association (FA) ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. New logos and colour systems for each league were unveiled on Monday as part of a 'new visual identity,' which will be seen on team kits and on footballs as well as in stadiums as part of the matchday experience. A new WSL Football website will also be launched this summer. 'No one plays football like a female — it is our strength and the way players move is one element of what makes women's football distinctive and special,' said WSL Football chief marketing officer Ruth Hooper. Advertisement 'It has taken months of work, and we have spoken to clubs, fans, players and partners who have all inputted during the process and been on this journey with us. 'There is a lot more in store over the coming months as we continue to grow the women's game for the future.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. NWSL, Sports Business, UK Women's Football, Culture 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Women's Super League announces rebrand with new league name and ‘visual identity'
The Women's Super League (WSL), the top level of women's football in England, has revealed a rebrand for the 2025-26 season. The move sees the second-tier Women's Championship renamed as WSL2, bringing both leagues under the same umbrella. The Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the independent body that oversees both leagues, has also rebranded to Women's Super League Football (WSL Football). The WPLL assumed ownership of the top two tiers from the Football Association (FA) ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. New logos and colour systems for each league were unveiled on Monday as part of a 'new visual identity,' which will be seen on team kits and on footballs as well as in stadiums as part of the matchday experience. A new WSL Football website will also be launched this summer. 'No one plays football like a female — it is our strength and the way players move is one element of what makes women's football distinctive and special,' said WSL Football chief marketing officer Ruth Hooper. 'It has taken months of work, and we have spoken to clubs, fans, players and partners who have all inputted during the process and been on this journey with us. 'There is a lot more in store over the coming months as we continue to grow the women's game for the future.' (Photos: WSL)
