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The WSL and Championship will soon be separating from the Football Association, as both leagues have unanimously decided to be overseen by a new, independent organization starting next season.
Nikki Doucet, a former executive at Nike and Citigroup, has been chosen to head the organization, NewCo. She will begin immediately and will be responsible for implementing the new governance structure for all 24 clubs by the 2024-25 season.
All clubs involved in the WSL and Championship will hold shares in the NewCo model, a plan that has been in progress and is considered a crucial step in expanding the potential of the domestic women’s football industry to reach a value of one billion pounds within the next decade, as stated by an independent review conducted this summer.
The director of women’s football at the FA, Baroness Sue Campbell, stated that the women’s professional game is currently at its peak due to the efforts of those involved in its growth. However, she is confident that the NewCo will elevate it to an even higher level.
“Our goal is for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, along with our 24 member clubs, to serve as a benchmark for women’s football globally. This move towards establishing a new governing body is a crucial step towards accomplishing that goal.”
“This marks a significant moment in the history of women’s professional sports in our country. It is a decision that will lead to greater progress for our clubs and players, both on and off the field.”
In 2022, the government commissioned a review of the women’s game, which was led by former England player Karen Carney. The review, which was completed in July, determined that women’s football is comparable to a start-up company.
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This marks a significant moment for the women’s professional scene in our nation, and it signifies progress for our clubs and players, both on and off the field.
“She stated that in order to start something, one must have a significant amount of money. She believes that within the next 10 years, this sport has the potential to become a billion-pound industry.”
NewCo, which follows a power restructure similar to the 20-club governance model of the Premier League, is seen by numerous individuals as a crucial step forward in the commercial development of women’s soccer in England.
A team led by Arsenal’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham, with Doucet as an outside advisor, worked on creating the idea for NewCo. This group included 10 members from WSL and Championship clubs, such as Crystal Palace’s chair Steve Parish and Patrick Stewart, who was recently named interim chief at Manchester United.
Venkatesham stated that this is a significant moment in the history of women’s professional football, as they strive to collaborate and create the most unique, competitive, and enjoyable women’s football club tournament globally.
“Establishing NewCo presents the chance to expedite the long-term development of women’s football and will not only bolster the growth of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, but also benefit the entire women’s football structure.”
“It has been a collaborative and productive journey to reach this point, and Nikki’s appointment embodies our aspirations for NewCo. Her vision for women’s football promises a bright future.”
Source: independent.co.uk
