WSL2 Turns Professional: A New Era for Women’s Football in England
September 4, 2025
The Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) in England has turned fully professional, marking a significant milestone for women’s football. This transition ensures that all 12 teams in the second tier provide full-time contracts and support to their players, ending the era of part-time players juggling work and football. The move has attracted notable signings like Jordan Nobbs to Newcastle United and allows clubs to offer better resources and facilities. Players like Emily Batty and Sophie Peskett highlight the positive impact, emphasizing the ability to focus solely on football and the improved access to training and nutrition. The WSL2’s professionalization also aims to retain young English talent, who previously sought opportunities in the United States. Overall, this step signifies substantial growth and investment in women’s football, promising a brighter future for the sport in England.
A seismic shift is underway in English women's football as the Women's Super League 2 (WSL2), formerly known as the Women's Championship, officially turns fully professional. For years, the league has been characterized by the grit and determination of part-time players juggling their passion for the game with the demands of full-time employment. Tales of players rushing from nine-to-five jobs to evening training sessions, sacrificing social lives and proper nutrition, have been commonplace. Now, those days are finally over.
The 2025-26 season marks a watershed moment as all 12 teams in the second tier embrace full professionalism. This transformation reflects the remarkable growth and increased investment in women's football, creating opportunities that were once unimaginable. The transition allows clubs to attract marquee signings and provide their players with the resources and support they need to thrive.
One prominent example is Newcastle United's acquisition of Jordan Nobbs, a seasoned midfielder with 71 England caps and former Arsenal and Aston Villa player. Nobbs' homecoming to the north east, where she began her career in Sunderland, underscores the growing ambition and professional opportunities in the region. "Seeing the really big ambitions in Newcastle, it was a no-brainer," Nobbs told BBC Sport, highlighting the significance of the club's vision and her belief in the team.
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Jordan Nobbs is the all-time record appearance maker in the Women's Super League
Nobbs' journey reflects the challenges and progress of women's football. She recalls playing in an all-girls team in a boys' league behind a Morrisons car park, a stark contrast to the professional landscape of today. "But the game had not developed, now it has and it is huge to see," she says, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for young girls to pursue their football dreams.
The full professional status of WSL2 was solidified after Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, both newly promoted, transitioned to full-time operations. This commitment ensures that every player in the league is properly compensated, fostering a more equitable and sustainable environment.
Emily Batty, Nottingham Forest's goalkeeper, highlights the significance of this transition, stating, "It's a massive part of getting us to where we are now, allowing us to fully focus on the games ahead so we can do our best work." Batty's own experience of balancing football with an administrative job in the NHS underscores the challenges faced by part-time players.
Ipswich Town's Sophie Peskett, who became the club's first professional player in 2021, recounts the stark differences in resources and support compared to the present day. "We had nowhere near as much access as we do now," she says, noting improvements in gym access, pitch access, and training facilities. The full-time environment allows for more team meetings, analysis, and improved nutrition, addressing the challenges faced by players who previously juggled work and training.
The rise of the WSL2 also addresses the issue of young English talents seeking opportunities abroad. Rio Hardy, a Bristol City striker, recalls having to go to America at 18 due to the lack of professional opportunities in England. Now, with 12 full-time teams in the WSL2, young players have a viable pathway to pursue their careers domestically.
Brianna Westrup of Sunderland emphasizes the importance of ensuring that full-time status translates into competitive salaries. She also highlights the benefits of training in a higher-level environment, which fosters player development and enhances the overall quality of the league. The professionalization of WSL2 represents a significant step forward for women's football in England, creating opportunities, fostering talent, and paving the way for a brighter future.
