Scottish Women's Premier League clubs to form new SPFL league and cup competition

Most SWPL clubs are backing elite Scottish women's football becoming the SPFL's responsibility from next season.

From this summer, clubs will be invited to become members of a new two-tier league competition.

The SPFL is also running a new League Cup.

There's been months of talks between clubs, Scottish Women's Football (SWF), the Scottish FA and SPFL about how to best to build upon the progress that the women’s game in Scotland has made in recent years.

Women’s football has grown exponentially in that time, with UEFA on course to double the number of women and girls participating across Europe by 2024, whilst significantly increasing sponsorship revenue, television viewing figures and club competition prize money at the elite end.

Aileen Campbell, the chief executive of Scottish Women’s Football, said: "SWF is committed to driving the women's and girls' game in Scotland. 

"We are therefore determined to do everything we can to support the elite game as it transitions to the SPFL.

"Football can be a huge force for good and we want to maximise its potential to drive positive change across our sport and society.

"We need to shine a spotlight on player wellbeing, to push for structural change and equality in boardrooms, and to prioritise a respect agenda.

"SWF stands ready and enthused to support the Scottish football family on that journey."

Ian Maxwell, the SFA's chief executive, said: "The Scottish FA recently published its bespoke women’s football strategy, Accelerate Our Game, and a key pillar of that plan is to take our elite clubs and competitions to the next level.

"To achieve that we need to optimise the game’s governance and structures and the work undertaken by the Scottish FA, SPFL and SWF, and the clubs within the SWPL, has shown the collective desire to take the game forward.

"With Hampden Park the new home of the Scotland Women’s National Team, and the team playing in front of record crowds, I am delighted that the various constituent parts of the game have come together to agree on a positive route forward for elite women’s football."

Neil Doncaster, who is chief executive of the SPFL, said: "Everyone at the SPFL is hugely excited by the prospect of working closely with the SWPL clubs to help increase the competitiveness, profile and income of elite women’s football in Scotland.

"I have been struck by the ambition of all clubs involved to drive up standards, take the game to the next level and increase participation across the sport.

"It is clear to see the many benefits that increased professionalism has brought to women’s football across the world. 

"We believe we are well-placed to add significant value to the game in Scotland in both a sporting and commercial sense.

"Lastly, I would like to send my thanks to everyone at SWF, which deserves huge credit for the way it has progressed the women’s professional game in Scotland in recent times."