Liverpool Women's Wage Bill Revealed as Lower Than Club Directors' Compensation
Liverpool Women's total operating budget increased by 36% for the year ending 31 May 2025, a period during which the team finished seventh in the Women's Super League and advanced to the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup. Off the pitch, the women's team experienced their most successful financial year to date, driven by a substantial 26% increase in commercial revenue.
Financial Performance and Revenue Growth
Overall turnover for Liverpool Women climbed by 25%, rising from £4.9 million to £6.1 million. Matchday revenue more than doubled to £340,000 following the strategic decision to switch home matches to St Helens instead of continuing to ground-share with Tranmere. This move proved financially beneficial, contributing significantly to the revenue boost.
The combined wage bill for all 49 players and non-playing staff members reached £3.1 million. Before taxes, these employees earned a total of £2.7 million, representing a 20% increase from the previous year when the staff count was four members smaller. This wage expenditure constitutes less than 0.75% of the broader football club's payroll, which was disclosed in February as the largest in the Premier League at approximately £428 million after pension contributions.
Directors' Compensation Exceeds Women's Team Wages
In contrast, the total remuneration for all nine of Liverpool Football Club's company directors rose by 9% to reach £4.2 million. The highest-paid director at Anfield alone received £2.3 million, marking a 7% increase from 2024. This means the directors collectively earned more than the entire women's team's wage bill, highlighting a significant disparity in compensation structures within the organization.
Comparison with WSL Rivals and Financial Dependencies
Liverpool's wage expenditure remains lower than some of their Women's Super League competitors. Arsenal, the only other WSL side to have filed financial accounts for the 2024-25 season so far, spent more than three times as much on wages, totaling £9.9 million before social security and pension costs. Arsenal went on to win the Champions League that season.
Despite growing revenues, Liverpool's accounts underscore the relative financial fragility of elite women's football. Similar to Arsenal's financial statements, Liverpool's accounts reference a "reliance" on the parent company for ongoing financial support. Most Women's Super League clubs depend heavily on the financial backing of their associated men's teams to sustain operations.
Risk Management and Profitability
Another section of the directors' report published within these 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."
Liverpool Women's overall turnover reached £6.1 million against costs of £5.7 million, resulting in a profit before tax of £165,000. This represents a decrease from the previous year's profit of £645,000, indicating tighter margins despite revenue growth.
The financial revelations come as women's football continues to gain prominence and investment, yet these accounts demonstrate the ongoing challenges in achieving financial parity and independence within the sport's elite tiers.
