Czech Women's Championship
The Czech Women's Championship, or 1. liga žen, is the top tier of women's football in the Czech Republic. It features elite clubs battling for the national title and European spots, steadily gaining traction amid growing investment and international exposure.
History and foundation
Established in 1992 post-Velvet Revolution, the league has seen AC Sparta Praha claim 27 titles, cementing their dominance. A highlight was Sparta's run to the UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 16 in 2014/15. The 2020 pandemic pause spurred youth integration, revitalizing the competition with fresh talent.
Tournament format
Comprising 12 teams, the season features 22 round-robin matches. The champion qualifies for the Champions League, while the bottom two drop to the Second League, and 11th place enters playoffs. Running August to May, it includes breaks for internationals and VAR since 2023.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, favoring quick counters and set pieces. Top scorers include Kateřina Snižková (Sparta, 128 goals) and Antonia Francová (Slavia, 89). Standouts like Tereza Hruštová (Viktoria Plzeň) dazzle with dribbling, while veterans like Markéta Šustová have elevated the league's profile abroad.