Last season, a trial began in Women’s Football that allowed four clubs in the second tier of the domestic campaign to serve alcohol in the stands. Now, more teams are signing up, which includes seven teams in the Women’s Super League.
According to the league operator WSL football, the initial trial was successful, with 66% of 51,000 fans taking part supporting the idea across 19 fixtures last season. Now, it will be scaled up, with all of the top four clubs in the Women’s Super League involved for the 2025/26 campaign.
Which football clubs will be part of the trial that allows alcohol in stands this season?
10 new teams in total have signed up for the trial for the next league campaign, adding to the previous four. According to the FA, all clubs in the first two divisions were offered the chance to sign up for the trial. Below are the Women’s Super League clubs involved in the trial:
- Arsenal (Emirates Stadium)
- Chelsea (Kingsmeadow & Stamford Bridge)
- Everton (Goodison Park)
- Liverpool (St Helens & Anfield)
- London City Lionesses (Hayes Lane)
- Manchester City (Joie Stadium)
- Manchester United (Leigh Sports Village & Old Trafford)
The remaining clubs in the trial are in the WSL 2, and you’ll be able to drink alcohol in the stands at these stadiums:
- Birmingham City (St Andrew’s)
- Bristol City (Ashton Gate)
- Crystal Palace (Sutton United)
- Newcastle United (St James’ Park)
- Sheffield United (Bramall Lane)
- Sunderland (Stadium of Light)
- Southampton (St Mary’s Stadium)
Chelsea, London City Lionesses, and Newcastle United’s involvement is still subject to SAG approval ahead of the new season. Alcohol consumption within view of the pitch will continue to be banned across the Men’s Premier League and lower leagues.
Speaking on the news, Holly Murdoch, Chief Operating Officer for WSL Football, said: “Expanding this trial for the new campaign, encompassing our Barclays WSL teams and additional Barclays WSL2 clubs too, is part of our strategy to offer a best-in-class experience for our fans attending matches.
“Exploring giving supporters the choice to drink alcohol in the stands was something we were excited to trial and following such positive feedback from the proof-of-concept version, we’re looking forward to opening it up to more venues and equally, hearing from those at the heart of it – our clubs and supporters.”
The Women’s Super League 2025-26 campaign kicks off on Friday, September 5 with fixtures between Sheffield United vs Sunderland and Chelsea vs Manchester City.