Chelsea Women ‘to consider’ permanent move to Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea Women are weighing a plan to stage all home matches at Stamford Bridge from next season. According to The Cutback, a permanent switch to the club’s main ground is under consideration.

An alternative previously floated was a ground-share at AFC Wimbledon’s 9,000-capacity Plough Lane, a proposal reported by The Athletic that drew heavy online criticism.

Chelsea currently stage most fixtures at Kingsmeadow, Wimbledon’s former home until 2020, while Women’s Champions League ties and select WSL games are played at the Bridge. The club bought Kingsmeadow in 2015, and academy sides also use the 4,850-capacity venue.

Sonia Bompastor’s reigning WSL champions rarely fill the 40,000-seat Bridge. More than 30,000 watched January’s 2-0 defeat by Arsenal, yet attendances generally lag behind their London rivals.

Arsenal Women made the 60,000-capacity Emirates their main base from 2024-25 and topped the Deloitte Football Money League ahead of Chelsea. The Blues earned more in broadcast and commercial streams, but Arsenal’s matchday income was £2.9m higher.

Kingsmeadow’s limited capacity has raised questions over its long-term suitability. A full-time move to SW6 could help grow crowds, given the Bridge’s status as the club’s primary stadium. Plough Lane, in Wimbledon and five miles from Kingsmeadow, is seen as a middle course.

In January, Bompastor said stadium plans were progressing and noted the need for back-up options because of possible clashes with the men’s and European schedules. She also praised Arsenal’s connection with their fanbase and said Chelsea want to move in that direction.

Source: Hounslow Herald