FA proposes £15m loan to finance WSL expansion amid funding impasse

The Football Association (FA) has proposed a loan of £15 million to finance the establishment of a new holding company responsible for managing the commercial activities of the women’s football game.

After several months of discussions regarding the financial backing required for its expansion, the offer was made during a meeting involving key stakeholders, including the FA, the Women’s Super League (WSL) and participating clubs, as reported by Sky News.

The loan proposal was presented as one of several options under consideration, but a formal agreement is still in the works, although nothing is close to being finalised.

If accepted, the funding would come with certain governance rights, such as a special share retained by the FA.

During the same meeting, clubs were informed that the FA is nearing the final stages of appointing Nikki Doucet as the first chief executive of the women’s professional game in England. 

Doucet was formerly employed in banking and boasts an experience at Nike. She is expected to be officially announced in her new role next month.

The ‘newco,’ responsible for overseeing the WSL and the women’s Championship, will operate the professional game independently. 

England’s triumphant 2022 European Championship campaign and their narrow defeat to Spain in the recent Women’s World Cup Final is understood to have heightened public interest in women’s football, resulting in record attendance levels.

Among the various funding possibilities for the ‘newco,’ is the potential for financing from the Premier League, with Chief Executive Richard Masters previously expressing interest in assuming control of the WSL. 

The WSL is gearing up for another enthralling campaign, with Chelsea looking to defend their crown after winning the title for four consecutive seasons.

Manchester United came agonisingly close to dethroning Emma Hayes’ side after finishing two points short in second place but will fancy another crack at challenging the Blues to the title this season.