Female-led company completes takeover of Women’s Super League

The Women’s Super League (WSL) is undergoing some significant changes. Not to be confused with the USL Super League, the WSL is an English division previously controlled by the Football Association (FA). A new independent company, however, has now taken over the league and the second-tiered Women’s Championship.

The company, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), is led by former Nike director Nikki Doucet. WPLL was previously known as NewCo. Along with Doucet, the company’s core leadership group consists of all females. Holly Murdoch, Ruth Hooper, Mirelle Van Rijbroek, and Zarah Al-Kudcy will also head the newly redesigned divisions.

A top Premier League exec, however, will also have a place on the WPLL board looking ahead. This is because the men’s English top flight division has supplied the company with a $25 million interest-free loan. The Premier League’s seat on the board will last until the loan’s repayment. The men’s division will also support the WSL in broadcasting and commercial areas.

The FA remains involved in WSL with a seat on the board

With WPLL taking over the top two women’s leagues in England, there will be some significant changes to their setup. Although the FA does not have full control of the WSL, it will remain somewhat involved in the league as a “special” shareholder. The exact size of the FA’s share is not yet available. The FA will have a permanent seat on the board as well.

Along with the FA, every club in the WSL and the Championship will also own a stake in their league. There are 23 total teams in two divisions, with 12 of these clubs currently in the WSL.

“The next successful era of the women’s professional game will be built on the foundations of collaboration and we are excited to work together with all stakeholders to drive transformational and sustainable growth across our leagues by leveraging the distinctive qualities, values and principles which exist in the women’s…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/female-led-company-completes-takeover-of-womens-super-league/

Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-08-15 20:44:25

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