Women's Super League: Women's football attendances have stalled

Women’s Super League attendances rose after England’s Euro 2022 win by the Lionesses, but the pace has slowed. A 2026 report by YouGov and architecture firm Populous says median crowds climbed by just 166 fans—from 3,070 in 2023-24 to 3,236 in 2025-2026—even as overall momentum cooled. Some major fixtures are drawing less: Arsenal vs Manchester United at the Emirates fell from 46,603 in 2024-25 to 29,853 this season, and Chelsea vs Arsenal dropped from 34,302 to 19,349. The Gunners’ October match against Birmingham City drew 19,546. There were positives, including a sold-out 4,000-ticket Arsenal trip to Tottenham. The study suggests a matchday “experience gap,” with “welcoming, family-friendly” elements ranking highest for fans.