Thu, January 29, 2026
Reported figures show that minimum pay for under-23s in WSL2 is below the national living wage for a standard full-time worker
The minimum wage received by under-23s in the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) is below the national living wage for a standard full-time worker annually, according to The Guardian. While minimum salaries were implemented this season, this does not guarantee that all players will receive the national living wage for full-time employment.
When the minimum salaries were announced, the Chief Operating Officer of WSL, Holly Murdoch, stated that: “we wanted to make sure that they could focus on being a footballer, not focus on a part time job.”
Players aged 21 and 22 who are part of a WSL2 club receive a minimum of £22,200. Those between 18-20 receive £17,500 as a minimum. These players are required to train a minimum of 20 hours per week, excluding matchdays and mealtimes. Players aged 23 and over receive a minimum salary of £26,900.
UK law states that employees aged 21 or over should receive £23,810 per year for 37.5 hours per week – the standard working hours in the UK. 18-year-olds are required to be paid £19,500 for the same hours. The living wage is roughly £26,227 annually for a 37.5 hour working week. In London this is roughly £28,860.
Prior to the introduction of minimum salaries in WSL2, some players earned as little as £9,000 a year.
WSL2 reported a loss of £8.2m between 24 April 2024 – when the organisation rebranded – and 31 July 2025. The loss was described as being “in line with the business plan.” Revenue totalled £17.4m and has grown this season.
According to The Guardian, the majority of WSL2 players aged 18 to 20 are paid at least 15% above the minimum salary level, although some players are reported to earn less than national living wage.
In the top tier, minimum salaries for players are as follows: £42,500 for players aged 23 and over, £34,700 for 21 and 22-year-olds and £26,900 for 18 to 20-year-olds.
Salary caps have also been introduced. Clubs are permitted to spend up to 80% of the club’s revenue on players’ salaries, plus up to 4 million or a further 25 percent of the club’s revenue - whichever is higher. Arsenal and Chelsea were the only WSL clubs that had revenue of more than £16 million in the last season, according to Deloitte. In WSL2, one point can be deducted for every £50,000 of overspending.
