WSL Football have confirmed that Blackburn Rovers FC Women have withdrawn from the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (Barclays WSL2) for the 2025/26 season and have stated that they intend to apply to re-enter the Women’s Football Pyramid at a lower tier.
These decisions were communicated by Blackburn Rovers FC Women to WSL Football with the club confirming that they would not be able to meet the ongoing compliance requirements needed to continue to operate in the Barclays WSL2 next season.
In line with recommendations for the long-term future of women’s football, every club is asked to comply with the minimum standards as part of their membership of the leagues and a compliance and development review is carried out as standard ahead of each season and monitored throughout.
WSL Football has been working closely with Blackburn Rovers FC Women all season to support the club and give them every opportunity to continue to compete in the Barclays WSL2 for 2025/26.
As a result of this decision, WSL Football is finding ways to support players and staff at the club to ensure that they can continue to play and work in the women’s game. This includes supporting players and staff at Blackburn Rovers FC Girls Professional Game Academy [PGA], who will also be impacted by the club’s decision.
Blackburn Rovers FC Women will now need to submit an application to the FA to re-enter the Women’s Football Pyramid at a lower division.
WSL Football’s intention is to ensure the Barclays WSL2 operates with 12 clubs for the 2025/26 season in adherence with the women’s football pyramid regulations.
Nikki Doucet, CEO, WSL Football: “This is a sad day for women’s football and our hearts go out to the players, staff and fans at Blackburn Rovers FC Women affected by this decision to withdraw from the Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
“We have been working with the club all season to prevent this outcome, and we are disappointed it has come to this. We will do all we can to help provide current players and staff members at the club opportunities, including those at the Professional Game Academy, so they can remain in the women’s game.
“Women’s football is on a journey, and whilst it remains in a financially fragile position, the game is growing and there will be brighter days ahead. We have a long-term strategy to drive more investment and to continue raising standards across the game to ensure players and staff can operate in safe, professional environments.”
