The Women's Super League will introduce academy contracts for the first time starting in the 2026-27 season. Currently, English women's pro teams cannot sign 16-year-olds to full-time deals. New rules will allow clubs to offer up to two-year contracts, providing greater security for both players and clubs.

This change aims to curb top WSL teams from poaching young talent from lower-league academies without fair compensation. It also lets promising players stay in mainstream education full-time, taking exams alongside their football careers. The WSL says this creates a more sustainable pathway for developing future stars.

The new contracts will align pay with young men at Premier League clubs, adhering to minimum wage laws. While not mandatory, they offer a clear alternative to scholarships. A WSL spokesperson hopes this provides long-term sustainability and clarity for the player development pathway.