Chelsea Women to make Stamford Bridge their permanent home in landmark move
Chelsea have announced that their women’s team will play all of their WSL matches at Stamford Bridge from next season
Chelsea Women are set to play all of their Women’s 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 men’s team’s 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 Women’s 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 club’s achievements and ambition, a place to compete and win.
This move reflects the club’s unwavering belief in the long-term opportunity in women’s football as well as the responsibility the club has to help push the game forward. Chelsea Women will move to Stamford Bridge permanently next season (Getty) “By 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 – 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 – 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.