For the first time, players in the top two divisions of women’s football in England will be guaranteed a minimum salary, beginning this season.
The change forms part of new regulations from WSL Football, the organisation now responsible for running England’s professional leagues.
Although the exact figure has not been revealed, the salary has been described as a “full-time wage.”
The final pay framework is expected to be outlined later this season when the updated Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL 2 rulebooks are released.
The pay structure has been developed in consultation with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and will vary depending on factors such as the player’s age, experience, and the division in which they compete.
“A really positive move” – Murdoch
WSL Football’s chief operating officer Holly Murdoch said: “We feel that’s a really positive move. We have so many players who have had to juggle part-time roles while playing football.
“Being able to ensure all our players can earn a full-time wage from football is very, very important. I would say it’s the start as it’s a framework we can develop on.
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“We have worked really closely with the PFA on what those thresholds should look like. We will be reviewing that constantly.”
Alongside the new wage guarantees, clubs must also meet higher standards around training environments and player welfare.
The changes come after WSL Football signed a long-term partnership with Nike, which will include providing boots and goalkeeper gloves to all players in the WSL and WSL 2 who do not already have personal sponsorship deals.
A further step sees collaboration with Kyniska Advocacy, an athlete-led organisation focused on safeguarding. Players will now have access to a confidential service through which they can raise welfare concerns independently.
Murdoch added: “We know that due to the fact the game has grown so rapidly, we have disparity. Part of that creates a competitive advantage, so there are elements we have to mandate.
“One of the requirements will be to have a ‘performance wellbeing’ role. We will be asking all clubs to employ that role full-time by the end of this season.
“We want to make sure we are preparing our players for life on the pitch, both mentally and physically, as well as off it. That role is critical.”
The 2025–26 Women’s Super League campaign begins this Friday with defending champions Chelsea hosting Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, as excitement builds following England’s triumph at a second consecutive European Championship.
