Eight of the world’s leading women’s clubs, including top teams from the US and Europe, will compete in a new seven-a-side tournament in Portugal during the week leading up to the Women’s Champions League final. This event marks the beginning of a series of global “grand slam” competitions expected to continue beyond this year.
The competition, funded by private US-based investment, offers a significant seven-figure prize pool that may rival the earnings of the Women’s Champions League finalists. The tournament will take place over three days before the final in Lisbon on 24 May. While the eight participating teams have not been officially confirmed, at least two Women’s Super League teams are expected to join, along with Angel City from the US and Bayern Munich from Europe. The final list of teams may not be determined until the Champions League finalists are decided.
This initiative aims to expand the sport’s audience and generate additional revenue. Although the tournament occurs alongside a major UEFA event, it is not organized under UEFA’s jurisdiction. Organizers have engaged in discussions with UEFA and FIFA but do not see themselves as competitors to traditional governing bodies.
The two teams playing in the Champions League final are unlikely to participate in the seven-a-side tournament, but clubs will be expected to field their top stars. The format allows roll-on, roll-off substitutions, with squads of 14 players, ensuring minimal strain on individual athletes. Each match will consist of 15-minute halves, with teams competing in round-robin groups before advancing to semi-finals and a final.
Coaches preparing for Euro 2025 may have concerns about key players taking on another competition so close to the tournament. However, the competition structure is designed to limit player workload, with most expected to play no more than 90 minutes across the three-day event. A “players’ council” has been established to ensure players have a say in shaping the playing conditions.
The prize money is set to be substantial, with funds distributed among clubs and players. The winners of this season’s Women’s Champions League will receive up to €1.4 million, increasing to €1.995 million next season. The seven-a-side tournament’s prize pool is expected to be a multimillion-pound sum, significantly higher than the typical payouts in women’s football, such as the £430,000 awarded to the FA Cup winners.
Small-sided football has gained popularity in recent years, with initiatives like the Kings League drawing attention. However, few similar events have featured active top-tier professionals. The prospect of elite US teams facing Europe’s best clubs is particularly significant, as such meetings are rare outside of friendlies.
This development follows FIFA’s announcement of the Women’s Champions Cup in 2026, which will feature champions from each continental club tournament. Additionally, the first 16-team Women’s Club World Cup is set for 2028. The new seven-a-side tournament provides a fresh platform for showcasing the growing quality and appeal of women’s club football on a global stage.
