In the 2024-25 Women's Super League season, average attendances dropped by 10% compared to the previous campaign, according to Deloitte's Sports Business Group. This decline was primarily attributed to the lack of international football attracting attention to the domestic game.
Bristol City, who were relegated in 2023-24, averaged the fifth-highest home attendance (6,974) with their relegation-confirming loss to Manchester City drawing a crowd of 8,749. Their replacement, Crystal Palace, averaged a significantly lower 1,779 in 2024-25.
Five out of the 11 remaining WSL clubs experienced a decrease in average attendance. Aston Villa and Manchester United had the biggest drops of 33%, while Manchester City had an 8% decrease despite playing more games at their Etihad Stadium. Arsenal, considered a success story for attracting record numbers at Emirates Stadium, had a 4% decrease despite playing nine of their 11 home games there.
On the positive side, Liverpool showed remarkable growth, increasing their attendance by 54% with three games at Anfield, and Tottenham saw a 24% increase despite finishing second from bottom.
The absence of a successful international tournament following the 2024 season may have contributed to the drop in attendances. WSL CEO Nikki Doucet highlighted factors such as kick-off times, men's international breaks, and individual clubs' efforts to build their communities as potential causes for attendance fluctuations.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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