WSL median crowds rise by just 166 as major fixtures draw fewer fans

Median Women's Super League attendances increased by only 166 spectators between 2023-24 and 2025-26, according to research highlighted by BBC Sport on October 30. The 2026 report from YouGov and architecture firm Populous put the median at 3,236, up from 3,070. Those figures contrast with the 192% surge in average attendances in the season after England won Euro 2022, although the two comparisons use different measures.

BBC Sport also reported lower crowds at several high-profile fixtures. Arsenal's home meeting with Manchester United at Emirates Stadium attracted 29,853 this season, compared with 46,603 in 2024-25. Chelsea against Arsenal drew 19,349, down from 34,302 over the same period. Arsenal's October match against Birmingham City brought 19,546 to the Emirates, where the club averaged 34,000 last season.

The Manchester derby illustrated the importance of noting where games are staged when comparing attendance figures. Manchester United hosted Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village in October in front of 5,361 spectators. Their March 2026 meeting had drawn 24,983 at Old Trafford. The two totals therefore reflect fixtures played at different venues, rather than a like-for-like comparison at the same ground.

The research also examined how often supporters attend women's football. Only 15% of fans who had attended a women's match within the previous five years went at least monthly. Some 43% described themselves as casual followers whose engagement centred more on major international tournaments than domestic club football, while 10% identified as devoted supporters. Both established and potential fans ranked a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere above team success and playing quality for matchday enjoyment.

Scheduling was another concern raised by supporters interviewed by the BBC. They cited changes to match dates and kick-off times, alongside travel disruption. October's north London derby began at 12:45 BST, with Arsenal's men facing Everton later that day. The women's fixture drew 13,719 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, compared with 28,852 for the same meeting in 2024.

Not every attendance indicator was negative. Arsenal sold out a 4,000-ticket away allocation at Tottenham for the first time. Clubs have also been promoting additional matchday activities: Tottenham advertised DJs, face painting and football freestylers, while Brighton marketed Halloween-themed attractions for October's West Ham match at the Amex. Some supporters quoted in the BBC report questioned the emphasis on family-focused promotion, alongside the research's finding that a welcoming environment matters to fans.