How Much Do The Lionesses Get Paid

Let’s talk about the Lionesses. You know, the women who brought football home, broke ratings records, and made us all cry happy tears at Wembley? Right now, you’re probably wondering if they’re rolling in cash like Premier League lads. Grab a biscuit, because the answer is a bit of a rollercoaster.

First, the headline numbers. England’s Lionesses can earn between £25,000 and £70,000 a year from their national team contracts. That’s a nice salary, sure. But compare it to Harry Kane, who breathes in and makes more than that in a week. Yes, that’s a seven-day span. One week of Harry’s leftover pizza money could fund an entire Lionesses’ pension. Ow.

The "Match Fee" Circus

Each time a Lioness pulls on that shirt, she gets a flat £2,000 match fee. That’s for a game like the World Cup final. For comparison, the men’s team gets a reported £3,000 to £5,000 per match—and they also get massive bonuses for simply existing. Think of it as being paid in applause while your male colleagues get applause and a small yacht.

But wait! The bonus situation is the real belly laugh. Back in 2022, the FA announced a historic deal to match bonuses for the Lionesses. Hooray! But here’s the punchline: the Lionesses had to win the Euros first to get that conversation started. It’s like your boss saying, “You’ll get a raise… but only if you successfully put a man on Mars by Thursday.”

Club vs. Country: The Real Wallet Struggle

Here’s where it gets confusing. The Lionesses don’t just play for England. Most of them play for clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, or Barcelona. And that’s where the real money—or lack of it—lives. The average Women’s Super League (WSL) salary is around £47,000 a year. For the men’s Premier League, the average is £3.8 million. That’s not a typo. That’s enough to buy 80 houses, a private island, and a lifetime supply of avocado toast.

Of course, the top Lionesses—like Lucy Bronze or Beth Mead—earn more. We’re talking six figures, maybe pushing £200,000 to £400,000 at their clubs. That’s a nice chunk of change. But remember, a mid-table Premier League benchwarmer who hasn’t touched a ball in three months makes more than that. It’s the same sport, but with wildly different currency vibes.

The Reality Check (and the Good News)

So, are the Lionesses underpaid? Absolutely. They generate millions in ticket sales, TV rights, and sponsorship—especially after that Euros win. The FA reported that the Lionesses’ revenue surged to £30 million in 2023. Yet, the players’ share is still a fraction of the men’s. It’s like being the star of a blockbuster movie and getting paid in free popcorn.

But here’s the surprising twist: the Lionesses are fine with it, mostly. They’re not whining. They’re paying for their own flights to tournaments? No, that’s a joke—but they used to, back in the “dark ages” of 2010. Now, they have decent conditions, physios, and proper tracksuits. Progress!

The Future: Cash, Chaos, and Crumpets

Sponsorship deals are starting to balloon. Players like Ella Toone and Mary Earps are signing big endorsements with Nike and Boots. Earps actually called out the FA for not selling her goalie kit at the World Cup—and she was right. Now they sell millions. That’s main character energy right there.

But let’s get real. The Lionesses are still a long way from being paid what they’re worth. If you compare them to male footballers, it’s like comparing a Michelin-star chef to a guy who makes instant noodles. Both feed you, but one is a masterpiece. So the next time you see a Lioness score a banger, remember: she probably earned less in a year than a man does for doing a single backheel pass on a Tuesday night.

Still, the gap is shrinking. Slowly, like a glacier moving toward justice. And honestly? The Lionesses don’t seem too bothered. They’re too busy winning trophies and inspiring a generation. Plus, they get free access to the best NHS physio—which, let’s face it, is worth more than Harry Kane’s tenth Aston Martin. Sort of.

So, how much do the Lionesses get paid? Not enough. But it’s more than last year, less than the lads, and still enough for them to smile and say, “Watch this.” And that, my friends, is worth every penny.