From the Guardian · · 1m 10s
Charlton’s WSL Struggles Highlight Financial Gap
Charlton Athletic’s WSL struggles show the financial chasm between top tier and second tier women’s football.
In brief
Charlton Athletic’s WSL struggles show the financial chasm between top tier and second tier women’s football. Charlton Athletic’s WSL performance reveals a massive financial gap between top-tier and second-tier women’s football clubs. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Charlton’s WSL Struggles
Charlton Athletic lost all eight games in the Women’s Super League after eight matches.
Financial Strain
Charlton’s women’s team lost £1.32m with net liabilities of £2.18m in 2025 financial accounts.
Injury Impact
Linda Líf Boama suffered a serious knee injury in September while Hawa Cissoko has an ankle injury.
Financial Disparity
WSL minimum salaries for players aged 23+ are £42,500 versus £26,900 in WSL2.
Promotion Challenges
Charlton Athletic were promoted to WSL after beating Leicester on penalties last season.
WSL2 to WSL Transition
Charlton’s summer recruitment was rushed with first signing announced on 18 July.
Financial Reality
WSL clubs receive £400,000 each from WSL Football’s £9.41m annual budget.
The Gap
Karen Hills called the WSL-WSL2 gap an 'absolute ocean' with financial and player resources.
What to remember
Charlton Athletic’s WSL performance reveals a massive financial gap between top-tier and second-tier women’s football clubs.
