When is the WSL winter break and which other leagues take a hiatus? | OneFootball

The WSL is preparing to take a break over the winter period and it isn’t the only league in Europe that goes on a hiatus in December.

When do the top leagues take their winter breaks?

Why does women’s football take a winter break?

While all of the top European leagues in women’s football take a break, the majority of men’s competitions don’t do the same.

This is largely due to the weather during December and January which effect playing conditions.

With the majority of WSL and WSL2 teams still playing on their own pitches, facilities aren’t the best.

England weather conditions tend to take a turn for the worst towards the end of the year and many of the pitches become unplayable in December.

A winter break means that the league isn’t forced into making postponements which ends up overloading the schedule towards the business end of the campaign.

The hiatus also ensures players can get ample rest after what has been a busy end to the year.

International breaks and a packed European/league schedule can overload players and a break gives teams time to recover and get players back from injury.

WSL key dates

January transfer window

With the WSL taking a break over Christmas, some players will leave their current teams before the new year.

That is because the January transfer window opens on New Years Day – January 1st 2026.

The transfer rumours are already flying with a month to go until the window opens.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing former Manchester City midfielder Julie Blakstad.

Arsenal and USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger could be on her way out of the league as she struggles for game time with the gunners.

Transfer rumours will of course only escalate up until January, with the window coming to a close on Monday, February 2nd.