Chelsea Women will play all their Women's Super League matches at Stamford Bridge starting next season, marking a significant change for the team. This follows several fixtures held at the men's home ground this season.
Key points
Chelsea Women will play all WSL matches at Stamford Bridge next season
The team has hosted several fixtures at Stamford Bridge this season
They have played three WSL games at the stadium this campaign
The FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City has been relocated to Stamford Bridge
The move marks a new era for Chelsea Women
Chelsea WomenManchester UnitedManchester City
Chelsea Women will play all of their WSL matches at Stamford Bridge from next season (Getty)
Chelsea Women will play all of their WSL matches at Stamford Bridge from next season (Getty)
Chelsea Women are set to play all of their Womenâs Super League (WSL) matches at Stamford Bridge from the start of next season.
The move signals a new era for the team, which has already hosted several fixtures at the menâs teamâs home ground this season.
The team has played three WSL games at Stamford Bridge during the current campaign and is scheduled to conclude their season there against Manchester United in May. Additionally, the upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City has been relocated to the larger stadium.
This means Chelsea Womenâs dramatic 4-3 victory over Aston Villa on 29 March was their final competitive outing at the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow in Kingston, which had been their home since 2017.
In a statement, the club outlined the strategic importance of the relocation: "Stamford Bridge will give CFCW a stage befitting the clubâs achievements and ambition, a place to compete and win. This move reflects the clubâs unwavering belief in the long-term opportunity in womenâs football as well as the responsibility the club has to help push the game forward.
Q&A
When will Chelsea Women start playing at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea Women will begin playing all their matches at Stamford Bridge from the start of next season.
How many WSL games have Chelsea Women played at Stamford Bridge this season?
Chelsea Women have played three WSL games at Stamford Bridge during the current campaign.
Which teams will Chelsea Women face at Stamford Bridge next season?
Chelsea Women will play all their WSL matches at Stamford Bridge, including a scheduled match against Manchester United in May.
Why is Chelsea Women moving to Stamford Bridge for their matches?
The move to Stamford Bridge signifies a new era for Chelsea Women, allowing them to play all their home matches at a larger venue.
Related Articles
Sports·Preview
Biggest strength, weakness for college football's top 25 teams
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of college football's top 25 teams as spring practices unfold.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
How the Magic avoided disaster and turned things around
Orlando Magic's Coach Uses NCAA Highlights to Boost Morale
ESPN News··1 min read
NBA·Feature
Don't panic, Detroit! The five reasons to still trust the Pistons this postseason
Don't panic, Detroit! Here are five reasons to trust the Pistons this postseason.
ESPN News··1 min read
Golf·Preview
How to bet the Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Should you back the Fitzpatrick pairing?
Should you back the Fitzpatrick brothers at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
'Pistons Won Again': How Gmac Cash became Detroit's voice of victory
Gmac Cash's 'Pistons Won Again' is the anthem of Detroit's victories!
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
OKC's Jared McCain can hoop, but he's also famous for his viral dance moves
Jared McCain steals the show with his viral dance moves at the airport!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Chelsea Women will move to Stamford Bridge permanently next season (Getty)
Chelsea Women will move to Stamford Bridge permanently next season (Getty)
âBy establishing a permanent home at Stamford Bridge, CFCW is investing not just in today but in a legacy. Playing at Stamford Bridge will elevate visibility, provide consistency for fans, unlock potential and inspire the next generation as the sport continues to grow."
The decision is understood to be driven partly by the potential for increased matchday attendances and the enhanced commercial opportunities a larger, more developed stadium offers.
While Chelsea Women have seen fluctuating crowds at Stamford Bridge this season â over 30,000 for their 2-0 defeat by Arsenal in January, but around 10,000 for a win against London City Lionesses in November â the ambition is clear.
This contrasts with Arsenal, who averaged 34,110 for their nine WSL fixtures at the Emirates Stadium during the 2024-25 season, including more than 56,000 for their 5-0 victory over Tottenham.
An open letter from Chelseaâs first-team squad to supporters underscored the historical significance of the transition: "This moment is not just for us. Itâs for every player to have worn the Chelsea badge. Itâs for every person who has pushed the womenâs game forward. Itâs for every supporter who has been with us on our incredible journey.
âThis is a new chapter, but our ambition remains the same. We want to win. We want to lift more trophies. We want to create further history. That is what Chelsea has always done â and weâre going to continue that legacy with our supporters beside us at the Bridge."
It is anticipated that Chelsea will also host Womenâs League Cup, FA Cup, and â subject to qualification â Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.
However, scheduling conflicts with the menâs team could necessitate the use of alternative venues for some cup matches.
Arsenal Women have played in front of significant crowds since moving to the Emirates (Getty)
Arsenal Women have played in front of significant crowds since moving to the Emirates (Getty)
The womenâs team was sold to a subsidiary company, Chelsea FC Women (CFCW), in 2024.
Recent accounts for the menâs club, covering the year to June 2025, revealed a payment of ÂŁ22.6m from CFCW, with sources close to the club indicating that almost ÂŁ12m of this related to the sale of Kingsmeadow following an independent valuation.
The agreement for the womenâs team to operate as a standalone business included a deal for Stamford Bridge to be used in exchange for a service fee.
Kingsmeadow will continue to serve as a venue for womenâs academy and age-group matches.
