Unlike your salary, which probably comes in a neat little envelope (or a direct debit that makes you wince), a women’s player’s pay is a patchwork quilt. There’s a club contract, then there’s the England team money, and then there are bonuses and sponsorships. It’s a bit like having three part-time jobs, but with more shin pads.
For the England national team, the base salary is actually a bit of a myth. The FA pays players a match fee, but it’s not a fixed monthly wage like you or I get. In 2026, the senior Lionesses agreed to a landmark deal that matches the men’s team’s match fees and a share of prize money. That’s a huge, huge step forward.
Let’s talk numbers without the jargon
Imagine you’re a schoolteacher earning £35,000 a year. That’s a solid, respectable life. Most Women’s Super League (WSL) players—the league where the Lionesses play their club football—aren’t that far off. The average average base salary in the WSL is around £47,000 a year. That’s a nice car, a decent holiday, but it’s not “buying a yacht” money, is it?
Now, compare that to your average Premier League footballer who might earn £5 million a year. It’s like comparing the price of a Freddo chocolate bar in 1980 (5p) to a fine dining meal for four. The gap is enormous, and it’s the main reason we’re having this conversation. The top Lionesses, like Leah Williamson or Lauren Hemp, earn more—but it’s still pocket change compared to even a benchwarmer in the men’s game.
