Women’s Super League image credit: Katie Chan, Wikimedia Commons
At this time of year, it seems like everyone and their sister is talking about soccer. It’s the world’s favorite sport and everyone seems to be at least a little invested in the outcomes of the games and the dramas on and off the pitch. But usually when you think about soccer, you think about men. Admit it. However, more and more people are starting to realise the epic matches that happen in the female game too. So let’s chat you through some of the key things you need to know about the Women’s Super League and we bet you’ll be a fan before you’re finished reading.
Why focus on the Women’s Super League?
There are, of course, lots of different women’s soccer leagues out there. But we think the Women’s Super League is a great jumping off point because, quite simply, it’s the biggest women’s soccer league in England. And one of the biggest in the world.
Not to be confused with the somewhat disastrous men’s European Super League, this league is one of the most highly respected ones there is.
When was it founded?
The Women’s Super League was established in 2010 and the first matches were held the following year. It replaced the Women’s Premier League National Division and turned the usual European football schedule on its head by playing March through October, right through the summer.
However, in 2017, it changed tact, reverting to a soccer season we’re more used to, playing from September through until May.
What teams play in this league?
Originally, eight teams took part in the Women’s Super League. In the first season, these were the teams playing the matches and scoring the goals:
- Arsenal
- Birmingham city
- Bristol Academy
- Chelsea
- Doncaster Rovers Belles
- Everton
- Lincoln Ladies
- Liverpool
And now, that number has increase to 12 teams. This is who’s currently taking part:
- Arsenal
- Aston Villa
- Birmingham City
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Chelsea
- Everton
- Leicester City
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Reading
- Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United
As you can see, only three of the teams in the original 2011 season are still in the Women’s Super League today. Mixing things up always makes for interesting soccer matches, in our opinion!
What team wins most often?
Since the foundation of the league, four teams have risen to the top of the tables. The most decorated club is Chelsea, who have secured four wins including the most recent and were runners up twice. Next up, is Arsenal with three wins. Then we’ve got Liverpool with two titles under their belts. And finally, bringing up the rear is Manchester City with a single title win, in 2016. Birmingham City were runners up twice and Bristol Academy were runners up once, although neither team have managed to become the victors… yet.
Where can I watch the Women’s Super League?
We’re pleased to say that the Women’s Super League is available in many different countries all over the world. To give you a flavor, here are some places you can find the action, depending on the region you live
- UK and Ireland viewers can watch the action on the FA Player, as well as Sky Sports, BBC One and BBC Two
- Scandinavian audiences can check it out at NENT
- Australian viewers can tune into Optus Sport
- USA football fans can watch the drama unfold on NBC Sports and ATA Football
- German and Italian audiences have DAZN for their Women’s Super League watching pleasure
- Central American, Dominican Republic and Mexico sports fans can catch the games on Sky Sports
- New Zealand viewers can switch the dial to Spark Sport
Where can I bet on the Women’s Super League?
Of course, it’s always nice to have an option to place a bet on a game you’re into. So if you want to place a few bets on this league, you’ve got to find a sportsbook that does that well. We think bet365 is a fantastic option for Women’s Super League fans. They’ve got decent odds and, to spice things up a little, you can also get a wonderful welcome offer with this bet365 bonus code.