Alex MacQuoid
England’s Euro 2025 Triumph and Its Impact on Women’s Football
England’s victory at Euro 2025 has reignited discussions about the growth of women’s football. Over the past decade, the sport has seen significant media exposure and discussion, particularly since England’s third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup and their Euro 2022 title.
However, the impact of their latest triumph in Switzerland remains a topic of debate. While the Women’s Super League (WSL) saw a surge in attendances following Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, the current season has not experienced the same boost. The league is averaging almost 6,500 fans per game this season, but this figure is still lower than the peak seen three years ago.
Club-Specific Successes
Despite the overall dip, some clubs are making strides. Everton, for instance, has seen a significant increase in attendance after moving most of their home games to Goodison Park. Their matches have drawn crowds of 6,473 and 4,313, a marked improvement from their previous averages. Manchester United also set a club record with 8,665 fans attending their match against Arsenal.
Arsenal is a notable case, playing all their WSL home games at the Emirates this season. Although their attendances have not broken the 40,000 mark, the club is focusing on building a core fan base rather than relying on one-off large crowds. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers expressed satisfaction with their current fan base, emphasizing the importance of loyal supporters.
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the challenges facing the WSL is kick-off times. This season, many games start at noon, which can conflict with junior football leagues and public transport schedules. However, the move to broadcast games on YouTube has been a positive step, increasing visibility.
The WSL’s independence as a company has allowed for more activations and sponsorship deals. Major brands continue to invest in women’s football, with Barclays securing a three-year £45m title sponsorship deal. Additionally, Nike has announced it will provide free boots for WSL and WSL2 players, addressing a common complaint about the lack of professional equipment.
Grassroots Growth
At the grassroots level, the game appears to be thriving. Sport England reported that 835,000 girls regularly play football, a significant increase from previous years. The FA also noted a 196% increase in daily searches for female football-playing opportunities following the Euro 2025 final.
In conclusion, while England’s Euro 2025 win has not yet replicated the immediate boost seen after Euro 2022, there are signs of long-term growth and strategic efforts to build a dedicated fan base. The future of women’s football in England looks promising, with increased visibility, sponsorship, and grassroots participation.