England Championship. National League. Premier Division. Women
The Women's National League Premier Division is England's top tier of women's football, run by the FA. Relaunched in 2018 as a fully professional entity succeeding the FA WSL, it features 12 elite clubs vying for the title and European spots. It's a hotbed of intense rivalry, talent nurturing, and surging fan engagement, cementing its status in the women's game worldwide.
History and foundation
Founded in 1991 as the Women's Premier League, it evolved into the Super League in 2011 before the 2018 revamp with FA-backed funding that boosted salaries and crowds. Chelsea have reigned supreme since 2015, clinching seven straight titles by 2024. Arsenal hold the all-time record with 13 wins. Milestones include the 2022 Arsenal-Tottenham clash drawing 45,000 fans and Man City's breakthrough in 2016. The league weathered COVID with enhanced BBC coverage.
Tournament format
Twelve teams play a double round-robin: 22 matches each. The champion claims the title and UEFA Women's Champions League entry. Runners-up and third secure qualifying spots. Bottom three drop to Championship; fourth enters playoffs. Season kicks off in September, wraps in May, with no winter break for relentless action.
Interesting facts
Scoring is brisk at ~3.2 goals per game in 2023/24. All-time greats: Vivianne Miedema (91 for Arsenal/Chelsea), Nikita Parris (50+). Stars shine: Sam Kerr (Chelsea, 66 goals), Beth Mead (Arsenal, 2022 MVP), Jess Fishlock (Reading icon). Prospects like Lia Wälti and Ella Toone fuel excitement. The league grooms stars for national teams and NWSL.