Chelsea will play all of their WSL home games at Stamford Bridge from next season, the club has announced.
This is a move that follows in the footsteps of Arsenal, who made a similar move to the Emirates last summer. They still play their domestic cup and Champions League matches at Meadow Park.
However, this season the Blues have played all of their home matches in Europe at grounds in west London, with the majority of games still being played at their home base at Kingsmaddow in Kingston, south-west London.
It was the first ground owned by a women’s team and was Chelsea’s main home for almost 10 years. In November 2020, AFC Wimbledon, who had shared the ground, moved to Plow Lane, making them the sole occupiers.
The ground has been touted as Chelsea’s new home since manager Sonia Bompastre said in January that the club was considering options to move away from Kingsmeadow.
It is unclear whether domestic cup competitions will take place, but it has now been revealed that the move to Stamford Bridge is permanent. Champions League matches are likely to continue to be played at grounds in west London, while Kingsmeadow will continue to be used as a ground for women’s academy matches.
Chelsea’s current home base is Kingsmeadow in south-west London.
The club said the move was taken to provide comfort to Chelsea’s players, partners, fan advisory committee and organizations, and will significantly increase capacity from just under 5,000 to 40,000.
The statement added: “Stamford Bridge will give CFCW a platform worthy of the club’s achievements and ambitions, a place to compete and win.”
“This is more than just a venue, it’s a statement of intent. With all Barclays WSL matches to be played at Stamford Bridge, this move reflects the club’s unwavering belief in the long-term opportunities in women’s football and the responsibility it has to take the game forward.”
“By establishing a permanent home at Stamford Bridge, CFCW is investing in its present as well as its legacy. Playing at Stamford Bridge will increase our profile, provide consistency for our fans, unlock potential and inspire the next generation as the sport continues to grow.”
Chelsea announced the transfer to coincide with the club’s new ‘Never Done’ identity (Photo courtesy of Chelsea WFC)
The announcement was accompanied by an open letter from Chelsea players, which read: “This moment is not just for us. It is for every player who has worn the Chelsea badge. It is for everyone who has taken women’s football forward. It is for all the supporters who have been with us on this 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 make more history. That’s what Chelsea have always done and we will carry on that tradition with our supporters at the Bridge.”
“We want to be ambitious both off and on the pitch and now is the right time to do that.”
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Chelsea Women have announced that the first team will play all Women’s Super League matches at Stamford Bridge from the 2026/27 season.
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastre said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of the announcement: “The women’s game is growing so we definitely have to follow suit and be at the front of that group. We’re very ambitious and we really want to be at the top of what we do, both off and on the pitch. Now is the right time to do that.”
“Even though we have already achieved a lot as a club, there is still room for improvement so that we can provide the best experience for the fans as well as the players. They want to play in the biggest stadium. The Bridge is a really historic stadium and we have already made so many memories.”
“For the fans as well, we want to create a really special experience for them. So give them the opportunity to come to the Bridge and bring more and more fans to our games. We’re really excited to be a part of that journey and that experience.”
“The players played a huge role because obviously they are the most important people in this project. They are on the pitch. They are all really excited about this announcement and this news.”
“If you’re a player, you want to play in a stadium where you can get as many fans as possible. You want to have the experience of winning games in a great atmosphere. That’s what we want to create for the future. And again, it’s really exciting.”
Big risky move for Chelsea
Chelsea currently play all their Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
“The move to Stamford Bridge is a huge statement of intent for Chelsea in a year of change.
“The Blues are struggling to retain their WSL crown, but have already won the League Cup trophy. However, the wait for the Champions League title continues.
“And it was this tournament that marked Chelsea’s semi-permanent move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have made the ground as accessible as possible to women’s football fans, including through our ‘Families at the Bridge’ initiative and our ‘Bottomless at the Bridge’ hospitality package.”
“This is a very difficult decision as we try to keep pace with Arsenal, who have built a unique fan culture, but the simple fact is that Chelsea do not attract the same crowds for their matches at Stamford Bridge.
“Atmosphere is an important element in any football match and the main reason WSL teams stay at smaller grounds is to create a full house and raucous home support.
“That’s what Chelsea have developed at Kingsmeadow and that gives Chelsea a huge advantage. It remains to be seen how that will translate to Stamford Bridge.
“Fans will not want to sacrifice the atmosphere they have cultivated for a ‘Keeping Up With the Joneses’ style move and Chelsea will not back down even if things look like they are not going well.
“This is a big move, and of course it comes with risks. A lot of work has to be done to make it successful.”
