The second tier of women’s football in England could see a name change back to Women’s Super League 2, pending approval from stakeholders and legal checks.
The Women’s Championship, currently the second tier of women’s football in England, could be rebranded as Women’s Super League 2 starting from next season. This proposal, which marks a move towards reverting to the division’s original name used between 2014 and 2018, was reported by The Guardian.
The suggestion to rename the league has earned the provisional support of the majority of stakeholders, following discussions held at a shareholders meeting in October. The talks around potential name changes for both the Women’s Super League (WSL) and its second tier, which have been ongoing since July, aim to better unify the branding across women’s football in England.
The second tier was initially called WSL 2 when it was introduced in 2014 but was rebranded as the Women’s Championship ahead of the 2018-19 campaign when the scheduling of leagues shifted from a summer to winter season. Under the proposed new arrangement, the top tier, known as the WSL, is expected to retain its name.
Sources involved in the discussions have indicated that the aim behind this proposed rebranding is to “unify the brands”. However, this change has yet to be ratified officially and must pass additional legal checks before being confirmed by the newly established governing entity temporarily referred to as Women’s Professional Leagues Limited. This entity assumed operations from the Football Association in August, and the member clubs of the league serve as its principal shareholders.
Other discussions being considered include a long-term name for the company managing both the Women’s Super League and the second tier, which could potentially be named Women’s Super League Ltd. Nevertheless, a final decision on this proposal has also not yet been made. League officials have recently noted that the current name, WPLL, is only temporary and does not reflect the vision for the future of the league.
Currently, there are 11 teams competing in the second tier following Reading’s financial withdrawal from the league in June, but this number is anticipated to increase to 12 by the upcoming season. Crystal Palace emerged as the previous season’s champions, and Birmingham City is currently leading the table in the ongoing campaign. Additionally, The Guardian has reported that from next season onwards, every match in the second tier will be streamed live on YouTube, presenting a significant boost for visibility and accessibility of women’s football.
Source: Noah Wire Services