Money troubles and problems ahead? The financial health of professional women's football clubs in England
A summary of the article:
The article "Money Troubles and Problems Ahead? The Financial Health of Professional Women’s Football Clubs in England" examines the financial state of clubs in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) from its inception in 2011 through 2019. The study analyzed the finances of 14 clubs, revealing that although revenues have grown by 590%, debts have increased by 1,351%, highlighting poor financial health across the league. Despite recent commercial successes like broadcasting deals and sponsorships, many clubs continue to record significant losses, indicating financial instability. The authors suggest that this trend may threaten both the future growth of the league and competitive balance, with larger clubs potentially dominating due to their greater financial resources.
The study emphasizes the need for strategic financial management as the league continues to grow. It calls for more effective governance structures and careful resource allocation to ensure clubs can remain sustainable. The authors propose policy changes such as revenue redistribution and financial sustainability criteria for licensing to prevent long-term damage. As women’s football continues to gain popularity and commercial backing, the article highlights the importance of addressing these financial challenges to secure the league's future success.
Key Takeaways:
Debt growth outpaces revenue growth: While revenues in the WSL have increased substantially, club debts have grown at an even faster rate, highlighting financial instability.
Larger clubs dominate: Bigger, more established clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City have more resources and are likely to dominate on and off the pitch, threatening competitive balance in the league.
Need for financial sustainability: The authors recommend introducing financial sustainability measures, such as revenue redistribution and financial licensing criteria, to ensure the long-term stability of the league
Authors: Beth G. Clarkson, Daniel Plumley, Christina Philippou, Rob Wilson, Tom Webb
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