How Much Do England Women's Football Players Get Paid

Let’s be honest: if you popped over to your mate’s house for a chat and a brew, and they asked, “So, how much does a Lioness earn?”—you’d probably scratch your head. It’s not the sort of thing we talk about down the pub, is it? But it’s a fascinating and important question, especially as the team brings home trophy after trophy.

The short answer: It’s complicated

Unlike your salary, which probably comes in a neat little envelope (or a direct debit that makes you wince), a women’s player’s pay is a patchwork quilt. There’s a club contract, then there’s the England team money, and then there are bonuses and sponsorships. It’s a bit like having three part-time jobs, but with more shin pads.

For the England national team, the base salary is actually a bit of a myth. The FA pays players a match fee, but it’s not a fixed monthly wage like you or I get. In 2020, the senior Lionesses agreed to a landmark deal that matches the men’s team’s match fees and a share of prize money. That’s a huge, huge step forward.

Let’s talk numbers without the jargon

Imagine you’re a schoolteacher earning £35,000 a year. That’s a solid, respectable life. Most Women’s Super League (WSL) players—the league where the Lionesses play their club football—aren’t that far off. The average average base salary in the WSL is around £47,000 a year. That’s a nice car, a decent holiday, but it’s not “buying a yacht” money, is it?

Now, compare that to your average Premier League footballer who might earn £5 million a year. It’s like comparing the price of a Freddo chocolate bar in 1980 (5p) to a fine dining meal for four. The gap is enormous, and it’s the main reason we’re having this conversation. The top Lionesses, like Leah Williamson or Lauren Hemp, earn more—but it’s still pocket change compared to even a benchwarmer in the men’s game.

Why should you care? (Hint: It’s not just about fairness)

You might be thinking, “Well, they chose the game. It’s supply and demand.” Sure, but let’s use a coffee shop analogy. If your local barista made the best flat white in town, but the shop paid them the same as the trainee who burns the toast, would you keep buying? Probably not, because quality deserves reward.

The reality is that investment drives quality. When players get paid properly, they focus fully on training, nutrition, and recovery. They don’t have to work a second job stacking shelves at Tesco (which many WSL players still do). Better pay means better football, which means more exciting games for you to watch on the telly.

A little story for the road

I once met a young girl at a local park who wore a field-tested kit with “Mead” on the back. Her dad told me she saved up for a year to buy it. She didn’t care about the number on a payslip—she cared about Beth Mead’s thundering left foot. But here’s the sticky bit: if Beth Mead can’t afford to live near her training ground because her salary is low, she might quit. And then that little girl loses her hero.

That’s why we should all care. It’s not about envy or comparing bank accounts. It’s about keeping the dream alive for the next generation of kids who want to kick a ball in the garden. If we want a women’s World Cup in this country every four years, we have to pay for the roots, not just the flowers.

The good news: The pot is growing

Sponsorship deals are exploding. Barclays, Nike, Google—everyone wants a piece of the Lionesses. Prize money for the 2023 Women’s World Cup was triple what it was in 2019. That extra cash filters down. It’s a bit like when your friend wins the office lottery pool and suddenly buys a round for everyone. The whole ship rises.

And the FA’s historic deal means that when the male players are on the coach to a tournament, they’re waiting for the female players to board so they can share the pot equally. That’s not just a contract—it’s a handshake of respect.

So, how much do they really get paid?

On the very low end, a WSL player might earn £20,000–£30,000. That’s less than a first-year nurse. On the high end, top Lionesses like Lucy Bronze or Mary Earps might earn £200,000–£300,000 a year with club and bonuses. That’s a solid dentist’s salary, but it’s not Premier League money (which starts at £1 million for the lowest paid reserve).

And for the national team? A player takes home around £2,000 per match for a friendly, plus bonuses for wins and tournaments. If they win the World Cup? The bonus pool could be £100,000 each. That’s life-changing, yes. But it’s a one-off, not a constant stream.

The bottom line (and why it’s a great thing)

Think of it like your local bakery. Ten years ago, they sold bread that was okay. Then they invested in a proper baker, paid them fairly, and now they sell sourdough that people queue for. That’s where women’s football is right now. The pay is catching up to the passion.

So next time you watch a Lioness smash one into the top corner, remember: she’s not doing it for a fat payday. She’s doing it because she loves the game. But if we want her to keep doing it, and to become even better, the answer is simple: pay her like the star she is. In the end, we all win—and we get to watch some brilliant football while we’re at it.