The average annual salary for a female professional football player globally is $10,900 (£8,400, A$17,000, €9952), a figure influenced by a small number of top clubs. Among Tier 1 teams, which includes 41 clubs from 16 countries, the average salary is around $24,030, though 16 of these clubs offer an average gross salary exceeding $50,000. The highest reported salary reached approximately $120,000. Meanwhile, at Tier 2 and 3 clubs, average salaries drop significantly to $4,361 and $2,805, respectively.
The report emphasizes the importance of ensuring players earn a reliable and sufficient income solely from playing, reducing their reliance on secondary sources and allowing them to commit more fully to their careers. In addition to salary disparities, contract length varies across tiers. Tier 1 clubs commonly offer contracts between one and three years, with the highest salaries found in contracts lasting two to three years. In contrast, Tier 3 clubs are the most likely to offer contracts of less than three months. Longer contracts provide players with stability, enabling them to focus on their professional development.
Attendance figures were identified as an area of concern for the women’s game. While Arsenal hosted Manchester United in front of a record 60,160 fans in a Women’s Super League match, Tier 1 teams averaged just 1,713 fans per game. Attendance figures were even lower in Tiers 2 and 3, averaging 480 and 380, respectively. Some clubs, such as Arsenal, played matches at larger venues for select games, demonstrating the sport’s ability to attract bigger audiences. On average, matches played in alternative venues doubled attendance figures compared to regular stadiums, highlighting the potential for further growth in audience engagement.
Women continue to be underrepresented in coaching roles, with only 22% of head coaches across all tiers being female. However, there is greater gender balance among referees, with 42% being women. This percentage varies by tier, with Tier 1 leagues having 57% female referees compared to 25% in Tiers 2 and 3.
The report provides clubs, leagues, and stakeholders with valuable insights into the factors influencing success in women’s football. While progress has been significant in recent years, more efforts are needed to unlock the full potential of the sport. Surveys for the report were sent to 135 leagues and 1,518 clubs, with responses from 677 clubs across 90 leagues. FIFA’s tiering system considered factors such as club licensing, participation in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and budget allocations for women’s football. The findings underscore the need for continued investment and structural improvements to ensure the sport’s sustained growth and development.
