Snapshot: Stadium capacities, attendance and the impact on team performance

As more WSL and WC teams adopt their clubs’ primary stadiums, we looked at how total stadium capacities differ by club, league, and whether bigger and better stadiums equal improved team performance.

For the purpose of this article, we have only assigned primary stadium status to clubs who have played 50% or more of their home games there.

Total stadium capacities by league

There’s not much in it. However the numbers are slightly skewed due to Arsenal playing at the Emirates which has a total capacity of 60,704, far beyond the next highest which is the Villa Park with 42,640. The highest in the Championship is St Mary’s, home of Southampton with a total stadium capacity of 32,384.

Teams playing in their primary club stadiums

_{for the purpose of this analysis we included London City Lionesses and Durham FC, who do not have affiliated mens professional teams}

This is an interesting one. Despite the WSL being the most followed women’s football league in the world, the overall majority of clubs are yet to move their women’s teams into their primary club stadiums full time. This could be due to the majority of teams in the WSL having successful mens teams fighting for silverware on multiple fronts. Is it a logistical challenge or lack of investment?

Does bigger stadium equal higher attendance?

It’s really difficult to answer this one. The fact that some clubs alternate between using their clubs primary stadiums and smaller grounds makes the analysis difficult. Also, the Women’s championship doesn’t release a comprehensive list of match day attendances throughout the season.

Unsurprisingly, in the WSL Arsenal have the highest average match day attendance with 27,029, second is Chelsea with 9,617. Considering Chelsea play most of their games at Kings Meadow, the attendances seem more aligned to the teams reputation and performance than size of ground.

Impact of primary stadiums on league positions

So, does bigger stadium equal better league position?

You would think so. Primary stadium equals better facilities and better playing service. However, the short answer is no.

The average league position of the 3 clubs in the WSL using their primary stadiums is 7.6. The 3 clubs with the smallest stadiums sit is 5.3.

If we look at the same for the WC it tells a similar story. Top 3 clubs with highest stadium capacities have an average league position of 9.3, bottom 3 clubs by stadiums capacity, 4.

The impact of fans

One thing that is striking, is the correlation between attendances and team performance.

The top 6 teams in the WSL by match day attendance, have an average league position of 4th. The bottom six teams by match day attendance, 9th.

The importance of the 12th man

The journey of women’s football shows that it’s not the size of the stage that matters, but the passion that fills it.

Bigger stadiums and club backing help set the scene, but it’s the growing fan support that truly drives teams to new heights.

To keep attendances rising, clubs must focus on creating environments that fans genuinely want to be part of – vibrant, welcoming, and professional. Playing at primary club stadiums, with better facilities and a higher-quality match day experience, will no doubt play a crucial role in building that connection and shaping the future of the women’s game.

Full capacity league table