Chelsea Women Announces Strategic Growth Plan

Women’s football in England is currently undergoing an unprecedented period of growth and change.

With the Football Association and professional clubs reaching an agreement to create a new and independent company to run the WSL and Championship from next season, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the acceleration of this growth to a scale not seen since the Premier League was formed in 1992.

In advance of next season, Chelsea Women will be repositioned so that it sits alongside, rather than beneath, the men’s team in a move that heralds a new era for the club. Chelsea Women will therefore have dedicated resources, management and commercial leadership, which will be focussed solely on the growth and success of the women’s team.

This new approach will enable Chelsea Women to harness the full potential of the opportunity for women’s football, amplifying our commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch.

Furthermore, this will also help attract new investment for Chelsea Women.

Currently, any prospective investor into a WSL team is required to invest through a men’s team. Having analysed the market and discussed with investors, there is a strong desire for an opportunity to invest solely into the women’s game to specifically support women’s football and benefit from the growth in the women’s game.

BDT & MSD Partners, a global merchant bank, has been engaged as financial advisor on a potential minority investment in the club, inclusive of evaluating inbound interest related to Chelsea Women.

Further investment into infrastructure, training facilities and player development, together with the strategic evolution of the structure supporting the women’s team, will lay a firm foundation to cement Chelsea Women’s position as a leading force within the women’s game over the next decade and beyond.

The club ownership group will continue to be the controlling shareholder of Chelsea Women and is committed to further substantial investments that will enrich the squad, elevate player development, and ensure a world-class environment for our athletes and staff.

Commercial Director Zarah Al-Kudcy said: ‘We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a club in the women’s game over many years now and, at this pivotal moment in the history of the sport, we want to take our work to the next level by unlocking the long-term potential of the team.

‘Dedicated resources and facilities are precisely what women’s football needs and deserves to fulfil the enormous opportunities within the game. Further investment only underlines how seriously Chelsea values women’s football and the benefits of this will be seen in the many years to come.’

Chief Operating Officer Jason Gannon said: ‘Industry-leading infrastructure is key to any team achieving success. In this new era for Chelsea Women, the team will have the support and resources necessary to illustrate our commitment to excellence on and off the field.’

Chelsea Director Barbara Charone said: ‘Chelsea have long been pioneers in the women’s game, and today’s announcement marks a milestone in the history of the club and women’s sport.

‘Further investment in the women’s game is vital. These players, coaches, and staff deserve the best, and this bold step ensures Chelsea Women will continue to be a beacon of progress and innovation within the sport.’