NewCo Takes Charge of Women’s Football in England
In an exciting development for women’s football in England, a club-owned organization named NewCo is set to take charge of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship starting from next season. This shift in management will mark a significant change as the Football Association (FA) has been in control of these leagues since 2010 and 2014, respectively.
NewCo’s takeover is expected to be completed before the Women’s Championship resumes on September 7-8, followed by the start of WSL matches two weekends later. The move comes as part of the FA’s efforts to further professionalize and develop women’s football over the past 14 years. During its tenure, the FA successfully brokered multimillion-pound domestic broadcast deals with Sky Sports and the BBC, allowing WSL games to reach a wider audience.
Leading the way for NewCo is Nikki Doucet, a former Nike director, who was appointed as the organization’s chief executive ten months ago. With her extensive experience in the sports industry, Doucet is expected to bring fresh ideas and strategies to further enhance the growth of women’s football in England.
As part of NewCo’s plans, they intend to establish an advisory group for fans, ensuring that supporters have a voice and are actively involved in shaping the future of the women’s game. This move highlights the importance of engaging with the fan base and considering their perspectives when making key decisions.
To support the running of NewCo, several senior officials have been hired, including an interim chief marketing officer, a chief football officer, and a chief revenue officer. These appointments demonstrate the organization’s commitment to building a strong and capable team to drive the success of women’s football in England.
In addition to the change in management, there will also be a shift in the broadcasting of WSL matches. Starting from next season, fans will be able to watch WSL games on YouTube, in addition to Sky Sports and the BBC. This move will provide even greater accessibility for fans to enjoy and support women’s football.
While WSL matches will transition from being aired on the FA Player, the online platform will continue to host live Women’s FA Cup games. This ensures that the FA Player remains a valuable platform for showcasing the excitement and talent of women’s football in England.
Overall, the establishment of NewCo and its takeover of the top two tiers of women’s football in England represents a significant milestone in the growth and development of the sport. With a focus on fan engagement, strategic partnerships, and increased accessibility, NewCo is poised to take women’s football to new heights in the coming seasons.