7. A League of Their Own: Autonomy and Ambition in the WSL

This week on She Shoots, She Tours! – The Deep Dive, Cath Hurley explores the WSL’s journey to independence — what it means, how it works, and why it matters for the future of women’s football in England. From the legacy of the FA’s 50-year ban on women’s football to the strategic unification of WSL and WSL2, this episode digs into the league’s control over broadcast, sponsorship, and global identity.

Cath examines how independence allows the WSL to negotiate its own deals, attract international talent, and define success on its own terms — without relying on federation structures. Featuring comparisons with leagues across Europe and reflections on lessons from the Premier League, this deep dive unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with a league now fully accountable for its own destiny.

Thoughtful, informative, and forward-looking, this episode asks: with control now in its own hands, how will the WSL shape the future of women’s football?

Let’s deep dive.