WSL fans praise atmosphere, criticize scheduling and accessibility
9 reported
A BBC Sport survey of Women’s Super League fans found strong approval for family-friendly matchday experiences and the alcohol-in-stands pilot, but persistent complaints about scheduling and venue accessibility. Arsenal’s average home attendance of 34,000 last season accounted for 41% of all WSL supporters, raising questions about the overall fan experience as the league grows. The fan choice pilot allowing alcohol in stands has been adopted by 18 clubs across the WSL and WSL2, with 70% of supporters now in favor. However, the 2025-26 schedule change replacing Sunday 18:45 kick-offs with more noon matches proved unpopular, clashing with grassroots football and making away travel difficult. Accessibility issues were highlighted by a wheelchair user who struggled to find Blue Badge parking information for Tottenham’s women’s venue at Brisbane Road. Tottenham told BBC Sport they have since added venue-specific guidance and are working on a full matchday guide. Clubs are exploring strategies to grow fanbases, including aligning with men’s teams and improving venue facilities, though some warn against simply copying the men’s game.
What’s reported
Arsenal averaged 34,000 at Emirates Stadium last season, almost four times the next highest WSL average (Chelsea).
Arsenal’s home crowds accounted for 41% of all WSL supporters.
A January 2026 YouGov study found 28.5 million fans of WSL football globally, split equally by gender, with almost half aged 18-34.
The fan choice pilot allowing alcohol in stands has been adopted by 18 clubs across WSL and WSL2; 70% of supporters are in favor.
The 2025-26 WSL schedule replaced Sunday 18:45 kick-offs with more noon matches, which fans criticized for clashing with grassroots football and making away travel difficult.
A wheelchair user reported difficulty finding Blue Badge parking information for Tottenham’s women’s venue at Brisbane Road; Tottenham said they have added guidance and are working on a full matchday guide.
West Ham’s Chigwell Construction Stadium has no seats and no covered stand, creating problems for less able fans in winter.
From next season, Chelsea will play all home WSL fixtures at Stamford Bridge, joining Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton in using main stadiums.
BBC Sport’s 2025 Summer of Sport research found 35% of 18-24-year-olds use social media as their primary method of keeping up with women’s football.
Key figures
Rachel Major, Arsenal season ticket-holder of 20 years
Donna Jones, London City Lionesses season ticket-holder and wheelchair user
Mark Jenkins, fan who took his six-year-old daughters to England vs Spain at Wembley
Deborah Dilworth, head of women’s football at the Football Supporters’ Association
Anita Asante, former England defender
Michele Kang, majority owner of London City Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman, England women’s national team manager
Chloe Kelly, England women’s national team player
Sources: BBC News
