The highly anticipated return of the Women’s Super League is finally here, kicking off on Friday 20 September.
It is perhaps fitting that defending champions Chelsea get the ball rolling on another exciting season of women’s football in England, hosting Aston Villa for the curtain-raiser.
Home to some of the best players in the world, this league campaign is one to watch.
Will Chelsea’s dominance continue, or is it time to crown a new winner for the first time in six seasons?
Read on to find out more about the latest installment of WSL action, and how to ensure you don’t miss a minute of it.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal in pre-season.
2024/2025 Women's Super League: Preview
Coming into the new campaign, Chelsea will be the overwhelming favourite to retain the title even in the face of a major managerial change. Emma Hayes departed at the end of last season with her sights set on the USWNT job, and after an exhaustive search, French coach Sonia Bompastor was found to be the most suitable successor. While Bompastor has overseen numerous new arrivals and departures, the core squad remains intact and is still capable of dominating the league.
But the usual suspects will be looking to stop them. Manchester City have bolstered their squad this summer, adding all-time league top scorer Vivianne Miedema to their forward line on a free transfer following the end of her time at rivals Arsenal. After missing out in the league last year on goal difference - scoring 10 less than victors Chelsea - this move could give them the extra edge.
Third-place Arsenal had an excellent window despite bringing in just three fresh first-team faces. They’ve strengthened across the pitch in key areas, particularly at the back adding highly-regarded Daphne van Domselaar between the sticks. They were the last side to win the WSL in 18/19 before Chelsea’s dominance, and the pressure will be on to get back to winning ways.
Another side who would be expected to challenge at the top after significant backing in the transfer window is Manchester United – a team looking to get back on form after an underwhelming 23/24 campaign. The addition of experienced Dominique Janssen, along with a handful of young, exciting players like out-and-out striker Elisabeth Terland, has been a great boost. However, it is now up to head coach Marc Skinner to get the best out of his players.
Can Vivianne Miedema get back to her best at new club Manchester City?
At the other end of the table, plenty of sides will be looking for redemption, including West Ham, Leicester City, and Brighton. The latter have had arguably the strongest window of the three, adding the decorated Fran Kirby to their squad, along with league mainstay Nikita Parris.
Then there’s WSL newcomers Crystal Palace, whose heavy investment in the summer has been crucial in making them top-flight heavy. Danish defender Katrine Veje and New Zealand’s Indiah-Paige Riley were particularly good additions, plus a late move for forward Katie Stengel, who has experience in this league and Stateside, is an equally impressive move.
With plenty expected to happen at both ends of the table, this is set to be perhaps one of the most exciting seasons of late.
WSL newcomers Crystal Palace.
2024/2024 Women’s Super League: Schedule and how to watch
Here when the WSL is taking place throughout the next nine months, and how you can watch the action.*
- 20/21/22 September – Matchday 1
- 27/29 September – Matchday 2
- 5/6 October – Matchday 3
- 12/13 October – Matchday 4
- 19/20 October – Matchday 5
- 3 November – Matchday 6
- 8/10 November – Matchday 7
- 16/17 November – Matchday 8
- 8 December – Matchday 9
- 15 December – Matchday 10
- 19 January – Matchday 11
- 26 January – Matchday 12
- 2 February – Matchday 13
- 16 February – Matchday 14
- 2 March – Matchday 15
- 16 March – Matchday 16
- 22/23 March – Matchday 17
- 30 March – Matchday 18
- 20 April – Matchday 19
- 27 April – Matchday 20
- 4 May – Matchday 21
- 11 May – Matchday 22
*Dates subject to change following broadcast selection
Ahead of the new campaign, it was announced that both the top and second tiers in England would be transitioning away from The FA Player, with games now set to be shown on YouTube.
The fixtures selected for broadcast will be shown on Sky Sports or the BBC in the United Kingdom. Global broadcasters include Optus (Australia), CBS (United States), DAZN, ESPN, Viaplay, and more. Fans should check their local listings if unable to stream via YouTube.
