WSL Sets New Attendance Record: Achieved with 36 Games Remaining
The Women’s Super League (WSL) has made history by setting a new cumulative attendance record, and it’s not even close to being over yet. With six rounds of matches still to be played, the WSL has already attracted a staggering 717,721 fans this season. This surpasses the previous record of 689,297 set across the entire 2022-23 campaign.
One of the key contributors to this achievement was the club-record attendance of 32,970 spectators at Stamford Bridge to witness Chelsea’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Arsenal. The electric atmosphere on that particular evening added to the growing number of supporters attending WSL games this season. The record-breaking match showcased the incredible progress and popularity of women’s football.
This season, there has been a noticeable increase in larger crowds at WSL matches due to an elevated number of games being played at stadiums typically reserved for men’s teams. After the upcoming Women’s Football Weekend on 23-24 March, during the men’s international break, all WSL teams, except West Ham, will have played at least one game at their main stadium this season. This move not only demonstrates the commitment of clubs to promote women’s football but also provides a platform for the players to showcase their skills in front of larger audiences.
Arsenal, one of the powerhouses in women’s football, played a significant role in breaking attendance records this season. Their win over Manchester United in February attracted a record-breaking crowd of 60,160 fans – the highest attendance ever recorded for a WSL game. What’s more impressive is that Arsenal sold out Emirates Stadium for back-to-back matches, underlining the demand and enthusiasm for women’s football at the highest level.
The WSL’s new attendance record is not just a testament to the growing popularity of women’s football but also a reflection of the tremendous progress made in recent years. The league has been consistently raising the bar, both on and off the pitch, and this record-breaking achievement is yet another milestone in its journey.
As the 2022-23 season continues, fans can expect more thrilling matches and record-breaking attendances. The WSL is showing no signs of slowing down, and with 36 games still to be played, there’s no doubt that even more fans will be drawn to the excitement and quality on display. Women’s football has truly come into its own, and the WSL is leading the charge towards a more inclusive and equal future for the beautiful game.