In the light of recent developments - renaming, re-branding, relocation and mergers - in order for clubs to secure WSL 1 and 2 status, the question has to be asked, is greater emphasis on marketing and money a way forward for the womens game?
With more emphasis clearly being placed on marketing and business planning and the lurch towards franchising of WSL Licences, one has to consider if the FA have a grander plan in place for the womens game. The FA have certain targets they want franchisees to meet in terms of finance and attendance at matches, lets say for example that team A consistently fail to draw that number of spectators, what will happen - will the FA put the club on notice that they must do better or lose the franchise or will the club be allowed to move to an area where customer demographic has a greater potential yield?
Alternatively it may be in a clubs wider marketing and financial interests to merge, rename or re-brand to secure a better financial future for the owners of the franchise (the FA) or the franchisee.
Do we really want to follow the mens game down the route of pursuing investment from any source no matter how dubious that source may be? We already have a major American sports franchise, a medieval middle eastern monarchy (who barely recognise womens existance, let alone rights in their own country) and an alleged money launderer involved in the WSL in some shape or form.
In the mens game - hardly a glowing example of business ethics and financial propriety I know - you have the leagues (The Premiership, Football League, Conference etc) at least able to offer some alternative viewpoint to the FA. As of 2014 the FA - arguably the countrys least successful and most dysfunctional sporting body - will be running the three top leagues in the womens game ie WSL 1&2 and the 'Championship'.
