What's working - and what's not - for WSL fans?

What the report says

BBC Sport examined the experience of Women’s Super League supporters, speaking with fans of WSL clubs and England about what is helping the competition grow and what still needs improvement. The report highlights Arsenal as the standout attendance success: the club averaged 34,000 at Emirates Stadium last season, and its home crowds made up 41% of total WSL attendance. BBC Sport said that scale is encouraging for the women’s game but also raises wider questions about how clubs serve both established and newer supporters.

Fans cited a more welcoming and relationship-driven atmosphere as one strength. London City Lionesses supporter Donna Jones told BBC Sport the women’s game feels more connected to fans than the men’s game. The article also points to fan engagement at London City, the WSL’s only fully independent club, and family-focused experiences around England matches. A supporter who took his six-year-old daughters to an England game at Wembley said the fan park helped make the event attractive for first-time attendees.

The report says the main frustration is scheduling. Noon kick-offs can be difficult for travelling away fans and may clash with Sunday morning grassroots football. Accessibility is another concern, particularly at smaller or secondary venues. Jones, a wheelchair user, described problems finding accurate parking and seating information for Tottenham women’s matches at Brisbane Road; Tottenham told BBC Sport it has added venue-specific guidance and is preparing a fuller matchday guide.

Other issues include uneven facilities at smaller grounds, such as exposed standing areas, while fan-facing policies are evolving. BBC Sport notes that trials allowing alcohol in stands were backed by many supporters and that all WSL clubs will be able to offer alcohol at games in 2026-27.