The Women’s Super League (WSL) has officially launched its first fantasy game, marking a significant step in the league's efforts to enhance fan engagement. This initiative was unveiled on August 19, just 16 days prior to the commencement of the 2026-27 season, as part of a broader strategy to connect with existing fans and attract new audiences.
Inspired by the immense popularity of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), which boasts over 13 million users globally, the WSL recognizes that adapting successful elements from men’s football requires a tailored approach for its unique fan base. Joey Davidson, head of digital products at the WSL, emphasized the necessity of understanding the distinct behaviors of WSL fans compared to those of the Premier League.
Before the official launch, an unofficial fantasy game called Aerial Fantasy, known as “Fantasy WSL,” had gained traction since its inception in 2023, attracting over 80,000 users across three seasons. However, it ceased operations at the end of the last season due to financial sustainability issues. Aerial Fantasy co-founder Dani Goncalves expressed disappointment over the shutdown but acknowledged the challenges of maintaining the game.
In developing the official fantasy game, the WSL consulted with various game creators, including those behind FPL and Aerial Fantasy. Ultimately, they partnered with Sportz Interactive, a company that manages UEFA’s fantasy league offerings. This decision has sparked some controversy among fans, as some supporters of the previous game feel alienated by the shift.
Honor Wicks, a co-host of the women’s football podcast Screamers, voiced her reluctance to join the new WSL Fantasy, citing her enjoyment of the previous game and the disappointment of its discontinuation. Davidson acknowledged that the transition has been met with mixed reactions, and he is aware of the challenges posed by moving away from a beloved platform.
To ensure the new fantasy game resonates with its audience, the WSL conducted a research project in December 2025, engaging around 7,000 fans to gather insights on their preferences. The feedback highlighted the importance of community, with many fans expressing a desire for a game that fosters connections and enhances their understanding of the league and its players.
As part of the fantasy game structure, the WSL has introduced a leg system, allowing participants to compete in mini-seasons alongside the traditional season-long league. This innovation aims to keep fans engaged throughout the year, enabling new players to join the competition without having to wait for the next season to begin.
Another notable feature of the WSL Fantasy is the inclusion of players from both the WSL and WSL2, which is designed to expand the pool of available players and encourage diverse team strategies. However, this decision has led to some confusion among fans, with varying opinions on its complexity.
Despite the challenges, Davidson is optimistic about the potential for the WSL Fantasy game to reach beyond traditional football fans. As of now, the game has already seen over 25,000 sign-ups since its launch, indicating a promising start. The WSL is also investing significantly in content creation surrounding the fantasy game, aiming to build a vibrant community and enhance overall engagement.
Ultimately, the WSL's focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem around the fantasy game reflects its ambition to grow the sport and foster a deeper connection among fans. As the new season approaches, the success of this initiative will be measured not just by participation numbers, but by the broader impact it has on the league's visibility and fan interaction.
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