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Blackburn withdraw from second tier

Blackburn Rovers have announced that they are withdrawing from the newly renamed Barclays WSL 2 with immediate effect.

The club has issued the following statement on its official website:

“After careful consideration, Blackburn Rovers has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Barclays Women’s Championship (Barclays WSL2) for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

This decision follows a comprehensive review of the evolving demands placed on second tier clubs, which have become unsustainable under our current model.

Over recent years, we have been incredibly proud of the progress made by the Women’s team, both on and off the pitch. However, the growing financial and operational constraints tied to Tier 2 status, including the requirement to move to a fully-professional model, have reached a point where they can no longer be sustained under the club’s current financial framework.

Key factors influencing this decision include the significant rise in minimum criteria set by the league, including extended contact hours for players and the requirement for a full-time professional contract model, an increase in staffing levels, leading to further escalating wage costs, and a greater strain on training ground and stadium facilities.

Regrettably, despite all Rovers Women’s league fixtures being played at Ewood Park last season for the first time, there was no noticeable upturn in home attendances, resulting in the absence of the substantial matchday commercial revenue and sponsorships required to support continued investment at Tier 2.

We acknowledge the disappointment this may cause to our players, supporters and staff, and extend our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering dedication last season, but this decision has not been made lightly.

To be absolutely clear, Blackburn Rovers is not walking away from the Women’s game. Like other respected clubs with a proud history in the game, we are taking necessary steps and finding a path that is sustainable and responsible for the long-term future of Women’s football at Blackburn Rovers.

The club remains committed to nurturing and developing young talent, fostering community engagement and working towards a sustainable future in Women’s and Girls’ football, and we thank our supporters and stakeholders for their understanding and continued support during this challenging period.

As we embark on a new chapter, we hope you’ll stay with us.

The club are now in active discussions with The FA regarding the level the team can enter the Women’s football pyramid next season, with a decision set to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

By transitioning into a lower tier, the club can continue to support competitive football in a structure that is community-based and financially viable, maintaining a vital grassroots pathway and ensuring that our Women’s programme continues to have a place in the fabric of the club.

The club will be making no further comments on this matter until further discussions with the staff, players and relevant governing bodies are concluded.”