Celtic and Rangers Women are reportedly exploring the possibility of joining England’s Women’s Super League.
While still at a preliminary stage, discussions have taken place as part of broader efforts to grow the women’s game both in Scotland and across the UK, report The Times.
The WSL has been actively exploring ways to expand its influence and attract a wider fanbase.
Such a move would mark a bold step for the WSL, which is already regarded as one of the strongest leagues in the women’s game. However, it’s not without challenges. Other ideas have been floated, such as a closed-league format akin to the NWSL in the United States.
The potential inclusion of Celtic and Rangers in the WSL would be a massive leap for Scottish women’s football. Despite recent progress, the Scottish Women’s Premier League, formed in 2022, still struggles to match the resources, fan engagement, and commercial success of its English counterpart. It also lacks the quality.
Celtic Women’s dramatic league title win last season, combined with their maiden Champions League campaign, has demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the SWPL.
While the concept of Celtic and Rangers Women joining the WSL is exciting, several hurdles need to be addressed.
The SWPL and SFA would need to sign off on such a move, with the league requiring a two-season notice period for any team leaving the league.
While the discussions are still in their infancy, the possibility of Celtic and Rangers Women joining the WSL is a reflection of their ambition to elevate the women’s game in Scotland. If realised, the move could be a transformative step for both clubs, offering a platform to compete at the highest level and draw more attention to the sport.
However, the proposal also raises important questions about the future of the SWPL and the impact on domestic Scottish football. For now, fans will have to wait and see if these early talks develop into a concrete plan that could reshape women’s football in the country.
