Record Crowds and Rising Inequality: The Double-Edged Growth of the Women’s Championship
Joe Rosedon
On the opening day of the Women's Championship season, promotion favourites Newcastle and London City Lionesses played out a competitive 1-1 draw. The game drew significant media attention with journalists from The Guardian and BBC present at the game, something that would have been unheard of only as far back as last season.
Much of this attention came from the two teams' ambition in the transfer market. London City Lionesses, owned by billionaire Michele Kang, brought in Swedish international Kosovare Asllani, as well as breaking the Women’s championship transfer record for Sheffield United forward Isobel Goodwin. Newcastle have been busy themselves, signing Lioness Demi Stokes and the experienced Rachel Furness.
The game itself drew 1781 people, a record for a London City Lionesses league game. A good chunk of those in attendance were traveling Newcastle fans, who alongside a legion of loyal London City Lionesses’ fans, created a vibrant atmosphere at Hayes Lane. The two teams and the league seem to be going from strength to strength.
Conversely, there are significant question marks regarding aspects of the league. On the surface, Kang’s involvement appears to be an unequivocal positive: a woman using her wealth to empower other women by investing in areas where financial support is critically needed.
But is a billionaire flexing her financial power truly what the league needs? This approach risks creating a fragile, top-heavy structure where the league’s sustainability depends on wealthy backers. Women’s football has long been championed as an alternative to the corporate detachment seen in the men’s game, but as money continues to pour in, the women’s game could find itself on a precarious path.
While investment and promotion of women’s football are undoubtedly positive, they must be carried out in a fair and balanced way to avoid the inequality often seen in the men’s game. Any financial backing should aim to benefit all clubs, ensuring the league grows equitably.
If you compare the plight of Reading and Blackburn Rovers with the relative opulence of London City Lionesses, its night and day. Blackburn announced in the summer that it would be only paying its players minimum wage on sixteen-hour contracts. For a club that developed talents such as Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh and Ella Toone to treat its women’s side in such a way is nothing short of egregious.
The decision was met with suitable outrage, Stanway herself saying
“Myself and so many others are indebted to the opportunities Blackburn gave us when we were younger. Very sad to see the club choosing not to back their women’s team.”
Former Blackburn defender Kayleigh McDonald was equally scathing, calling the club “box tickers” and stating "I remember we got begrudged using the men's coffee machine”
The situation at Reading is even more dire. In June 2024, the club voluntarily withdrew from the Women’s championship as a cost cutting measure due to “continuing finical difficulties”. The club has been in turmoil due to its severe mismanagement by owner Dai Yongee. The team now play in Southern Region Women's Football League, tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid.
The decision was resoundingly criticised by those associated with the club. In a letter to the Reading Chronicle, the Supporters’ Trust at Reading said
“We express extreme disappointment regarding the reported withdrawal of Reading FC Women from the Women’s Championship.”
“This move undermines our club’s integrity and the progress of women’s football.”
Amid the spotlight on the development of London City Lionesses and Newcastle, it's crucial that less fortunate clubs are also given attention to highlight the growing disparity. As financial backing increases, the league must stay steadfast in ensuring it remains fit for purpose, serving all teams fairly.
Photo - @connieleaphotos