WSL and Championship clubs set for crunch vote on controversial new proposals
Clubs in England’s top two tiers of women’s football will have until 5pm today (Thursday) to vote for the latest proposals on the structure of the NewCo, the new entity set to take over the running of the top two women’s tiers from the FA next summer.
The FA are planning to no longer run England's top two leagues, the Championship as well the Women’s Super League, beyond the end of this season, with the establishment of the 'Newco' to oversee the leagues on a standalone basis.
But a restructure is believed to improve commercial and investment opportunities for the top of the English women’s game, an essential development at a time when revenues, attendance and TV coverage are also increasing rapidly.
Details over the implementation of the restructure has continued to prove a sticking point between clubs and the FA. Earlier this year, Premier League clubs refused to front the £25 million start-up costs for enhancing the competition from the start of the 2024-25 season.
And according to the Telegraph, debate ahead of the vote focuses predominantly on the voting power afforded to Championship clubs in decision-making processes of the NewCo.
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The latest proposals reportedly would enable Championship clubs to have equal voting heft on some governance matters in future, but the second-tier outfits would have less say in future broadcast and commercial deals when the NewCo takes charge.
Twenty-four clubs comprise the WSL and Championship. If the vote passes, the NewCo will move closer to getting underway. Stakeholders have committed to turning over the running of the top tiers next year.
Outgoing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has been vocal about capitalising on the need for growth in the women's game (Lewis Storey/Getty Images))Last month, it was reported that as time to find new investment continues to run down, American private equity firms have expressed interest in buying into the league for a 10-year period given the potential for significant growth.
The current situation is further complicated by the fact a new broadcast deal will need to be agreed over the season. The current contract with Sky Sports and BBC - worth around £7.5million per season - expires next summer.
Top women’s clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester City, have been vocal about exploring the private equity option, with Blues manager Emma Hayes a particular proponent for capitalising on the need for growth.
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