Chelsea Women to make Stamford Bridge their permanent home in landmark move

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.

An open letter from Chelsea’s first-team squad to supporters underscored the historical significance of the transition: “This moment is not just for us. It’s for every player to have worn the Chelsea badge. It’s for every person who has pushed the women’s game forward. It’s for every supporter who has been with us on our incredible journey.

“This is a new chapter, but our ambition remains the same. We want to win. We want to lift more trophies. We want to create further history. That is what Chelsea has always done – and we’re going to continue that legacy with our supporters beside us at the Bridge.”

It is anticipated that Chelsea will also host Women’s League Cup, FA Cup, and – subject to qualification – Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.

However, scheduling conflicts with the men’s team could necessitate the use of alternative venues for some cup matches.

Arsenal Women have played in front of significant crowds since moving to the Emirates (Getty)

The women’s team was sold to a subsidiary company, Chelsea FC Women (CFCW), in 2024.

Recent accounts for the men’s club, covering the year to June 2025, revealed a payment of £22.6m from CFCW, with sources close to the club indicating that almost £12m of this related to the sale of Kingsmeadow following an independent valuation.

The agreement for the women’s team to operate as a standalone business included a deal for Stamford Bridge to be used in exchange for a service fee.

Kingsmeadow will continue to serve as a venue for women’s academy and age-group matches.

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