Liverpool Women's total wage bill for players and staff was £3.1 million, which is less than the £4.2 million paid to nine club directors, according to the latest financial accounts. The Women's Super League side saw a 25% increase in turnover, reaching £6.1 million for the year ending 31 May 2025, driven by record investment and improved commercial performance.
Financial Growth and Disparities
The accounts reveal that Liverpool Women's operating budget grew by 36% during a season where they finished seventh in the WSL and reached the Women's FA Cup semi-finals. Commercial revenue surged by 26%, contributing significantly to the overall turnover rise from £4.9 million to £6.1 million. Matchday revenue more than doubled to £340,000 after the team switched their home games to St Helens, moving away from ground-sharing with Tranmere.
Despite this growth, the wage bill for the 49 employees, including players and non-playing staff, was £3.1 million. This amount represents less than 0.75% of the wider football club's payroll, which was reported in February as the largest in the Premier League at approximately £428 million after pension contributions. Before taxes, these employees earned a combined £2.7 million, marking a 20% increase from the previous year when there were four fewer staff members.
Directors' Earnings and Comparisons
In contrast, the highest-paid director at Anfield received £2.3 million, a 7% increase from 2024, and the total remuneration for all nine of Liverpool Football Club's company directors rose by 9% to £4.2 million. This highlights a stark disparity where directors earned more than the entire women's team's wage bill.
Liverpool's wage expenditure was lower than some of their WSL rivals. Arsenal, the only other WSL side to have filed financial accounts for 2024-25 so far, spent over three times as much on wages, totalling £9.9 million before social security and pension costs. Arsenal went on to win the Champions League, underscoring the competitive financial landscape in women's football.
Financial Fragility and Reliance
The accounts also shed light on the relative fragility of the elite women's game. Similar to Arsenal, Liverpool's financial statements note a reliance on the parent company for financial support. Most WSL clubs depend on the backing of their men's teams, which raises concerns about long-term sustainability and independence.
A section of the directors' report within the public financial accounts states: The directors consider the principal risks and uncertainties with the running of a professional football club is in relation to salary levels and the aim is to manage these costs within financial restraints, whilst remaining as competitive as possible. This reflects ongoing challenges in balancing financial prudence with competitive ambitions.
Profitability and Future Outlook
Liverpool Women recorded a profit before tax of £165,000, down from the previous year's £645,000, despite overall turnover of £6.1 million and costs of £5.7 million. This decrease in profit highlights the pressures of managing rising costs while investing in growth.
The financial revelations come amid broader discussions about equity and investment in women's sports. As the WSL continues to expand, clubs like Liverpool face the dual task of enhancing on-field performance and securing stable financial footing without over-reliance on parent organisations.
