Barclays has announced a significant expansion of its support for women’s football, unveiling a new multi-year sponsorship agreement for both the Barclays Women’s Super League and the Barclays Women’s Championship. This latest deal will see the bank double its financial commitment, building on its existing investment in the sport. Barclays has also renewed its sponsorship of the Premier League for another four years.
In addition to these deals, Barclays has extended its partnership with The Football Association (FA) for another three years, ensuring continued backing for initiatives like the Barclays Girls’ Football School Partnerships. The bank first became the title sponsor of the Women’s Super League in 2019, marking the largest brand investment in women’s sport in the UK at the time.
Since Barclays' initial sponsorship, women’s football has seen remarkable growth in popularity and visibility. The Barclays Women’s Super League is now the most-followed domestic women’s football league globally, boasting 3.2 million followers. Additionally, average match attendance has skyrocketed by 283% since the 2021/22 season.
The renewed investment from Barclays is intended to further build on this success, helping the women’s game continue its upward trajectory.
Barclays’ extended partnership with The FA will focus heavily on grassroots development, particularly through the Barclays Girls’ Football School Partnerships, which has been extended until 2028. The initiative aims to encourage more girls to stay involved in sports during secondary school, addressing the significant drop-off in participation—64% of girls stop playing sports by the time they finish puberty.
A new programme will be introduced to identify talented students, providing them with pathways to pursue football alongside their education. This initiative will also offer support to promising young players and their families, further strengthening the connection between grassroots and professional women’s football.
Football icons and industry figures have applauded Barclays for its long-term commitment to women’s football. Former England international Ian Wright OBE emphasised the importance of sustained investment in ensuring the sport’s continued growth. "We constantly talk about the sustainability of women’s football, and Barclays are once again leading the way with their commitment. This investment is exactly what’s needed to not only continue the growth but to ensure the game is sustainable for future generations," Wright said.
Tom Corbett, Barclays’ group head of sponsorship, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the bank's ongoing support. “This latest agreement solidifies our long-term commitment to supporting the game at every level and creating opportunities for everyone to benefit from it,” Corbett stated.
Barclays’ new sponsorship deal not only strengthens its ties with women’s football but also reaffirms its role as a major supporter of the sport in the UK. With the renewal of its Premier League sponsorship and extended partnership with The FA, Barclays is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in both men’s and women’s football. Through these efforts, the bank is helping to ensure that football remains a sport for all, fostering growth and opportunity across every level of the game.
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