Sport Resolutions opens applications for its 2027–2030 Panel
Sport Resolutions is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its 2027–2030 Panel, with applications welcomed from suitably qualified professionals from around the world
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.
