Barclays signs multi-year deal to boost Women’s Super League
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Manchester City's Jessica Park in action with Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey in a Women's Super League match on Sept 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – The Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship have signed a multi-year title sponsorship deal with Barclays, worth around £45 million (S$77.5 million) according to British media reports, marking their most lucrative commercial agreement to date.
The new deal – reportedly £15 million a year for three years – provides a substantial financial boost for the WSL and Women’s Championship, which were taken over by Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) in August.
“Barclays has been a leading light when it comes to supporting women’s football, and they become a founding partner for WPLL as we embark on a transformational journey to grow the game,” WPLL chief executive officer Nikki Doucet said in a statement.
“This record multi-year investment demonstrates long-term commitment and is important because it provides positive endorsement and increased support for what we are trying to accomplish.”
The landmark renewal is the biggest deal in women’s football in Britain, the Football Association (FA) said, with Barclays doubling its investment to strengthen its support of the women’s game.
The British bank also extended its partnership with the FA for an additional three years, lasting until 2028 and renewed its men’s Premier League sponsorship for an additional four years, where it remains as the official banking partner until 2029.
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright, who is an ambassador for Barclays, said: “We constantly talk about the sustainability of women’s football and the need for increased investment and long-term partners to truly accelerate the growth.
“Barclays are once again leading the way with their commitment. This investment is exactly what’s needed to not only continue the growth but also to ensure the game is sustainable for future generations.”
Chelsea won their seventh WSL title last season on goal difference under Emma Hayes, who is now the coach of the United States women’s national team.
The champions are now coached by Frenchwoman Sonia Bompastor.
Manchester City, who were runners-up last campaign, drew with Arsenal in their league opener while Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all won their first game of the season. REUTERS
