Determinants of Attendance in the English Women's Super League: Does Demand for Men's Football Spillover?

Interest in women's sports, particularly football, has surged in recent years, with growing spectatorship and media coverage. Despite this, women's football in England remains in an early stage of growth, with attendances significantly below that of men's football. This study examines the determinants of attendance in the English Women's Super League (WSL) from 2011 to 2023, focusing on potential spillover effects from men's football. Analyzing 775 matches, we review how the men's team performance and brand strength influence attendance at women's matches. It is found that three main factors drive WSL attendance: (a) Team and game characteristics, such as team performance, weather, and team rivalry, (b) Success of the national team, and (c) Performance and characteristics of the men's team, showing a significant spillover effect. Such results offer key insights to stakeholders, as considering spillover effects can enhance investment strategies and foster growth in women's football.