"NEW DAWN" FOR ASIAN FOOTBALL

AFC Women's Champions League will boost club game and establish sport in the region

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TOKYO Women's football in Asia can close the gap on Europe and North America with the launch of the AFC Women's Champions League on Oct 3, say players from top Japanese side Urawa Reds Ladies.

The women's game has exploded in popularity in Europe in recent years, with clubs in England, Spain and Germany enjoying record attendances and investment.

In September, the Women's Super League (WSL) and Women's Championship signed a multi-year title sponsorship deal with Barclays, worth more than £30 million (S$51.4 million) according to British media reports, marking their most lucrative commercial agreement to date.

The landmark renewal is the biggest deal in women's football in Britain, with Barclays doubling their investment to strengthen their support of the women's game.

In March, it was reported that WSL attendances were up 43 per cent on last season, with cumulative attendance for the WSL and the Women's Championship passing one million for the 2023-24 season a month later.

Women's football football in North America is also in rude health.