Chelsea will play all WSL home matches at Stamford Bridge from next season, the club has announced.
This follows Arsenal’s similar move to the Emirates last summer. They still play domestic cup matches and Champions League league stage matches at Meadow Park.
However, this season the Blues have played all of their European home games at west London stadiums, while still playing most of their games at their Kingsmeadow home in Kingston, south-west London.
It was the first stadium owned by a women’s team and was the home of Chelsea for almost a decade. They became the sole tenants in November 2020 when AFC Wimbledon, with whom they shared the ground, moved to Plow Lane.
The ground has been touted as Chelsea’s new home since Sonia Bompastor said in January that the club was reviewing its options to leave Kingsmeadow.
This has now turned out to be a permanent move to Stamford Bridge, but it is unclear whether domestic cup competitions will take place. It is likely that Champions League matches will still be played at the west London stadium, while Kingsmeadow Stadium will continue to be used as a venue for women’s academy matches.
Chelsea’s current home is Kingsmeadow, south-west London.
The club said the move was made with the comfort of Chelsea players, partners, fan advisory boards and groups and would significantly increase capacity from just under 5,000 to 40,000.
The statement added: “Stamford Bridge will provide CFCW with a stage to match the club’s achievements and ambitions, a venue to compete and win.
“This is more than a stadium – it is a statement of intent. With all Barclays WSL matches scheduled to be played at Stamford Bridge, this move reflects the club’s firm belief in the long-term opportunities of women’s football and the responsibility it has to help drive the game forward.
“By establishing a permanent home at Stamford Bridge, CFCW is investing not only in the present but also in its legacy. Playing at Stamford Bridge will increase visibility, provide consistency for 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)
An open letter from Chelsea players also accompanied the announcement, writing: “This moment is not just for us. Wearing the Chelsea badge is for every player. It’s for everyone who has taken the women’s game forward. It’s for every supporter who has been a part of our incredible journey.”
“It’s a new chapter, but our ambitions are 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 legacy with the supporters next to us at the Bridge.”
‘We want to be really ambitious both on and off the pitch. Now is the right time for us 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.
In an exclusive interview sky sports Ahead of the announcement, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor “The women’s game is growing and we need to follow that group and start that group too. We are really ambitious and want to be the best on and off the pitch and now is the right time for us to do that.”
“Even though we have already achieved so much as a club, we still have room for improvement and can provide the best experience for our players as well as our fans. They want to play in the biggest stadium. The Bridge is a truly historic stadium where we have already made many memories.
“We want to give our fans a really special experience too, so we’re really excited to give them the opportunity to come to the Bridge and bring more fans into the game and into our games, and we’re really excited to be a part of that journey and experience.
“The players have played a big, big role because they are obviously the most important people in this project. They are the people on the pitch. They are all really excited about the announcement and the news.
“As a player, you want to play in stadiums where you can get as many fans as possible. You want to win games in a great atmosphere and enjoy that experience. That’s what we want to build for the future. And again, it’s really exciting.”
Big and risky move for Chelsea
Chelsea currently plays all Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge.
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
“The move to Stamford Bridge shows Chelsea’s great intentions in what is proving to be a transformative year.
“The Blues have struggled to maintain their grip on the WSL but have already won a trophy in the League Cup, but their wait for the Champions League title continues.
“And it is for that competition that Chelsea are stepping foot in Stamford Bridge on a semi-permanent basis. They have included the ‘Families at the Bridge’ initiative and the ‘Bottomless at the Bridge’ hospitality package to make the ground as accessible as possible for women’s football fans.
“This decision is a challenge 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 numbers to their games at Stamford Bridge.
“The biggest part of any football game is the atmosphere, and the main argument against WSL teams remaining in smaller stadiums is that it creates sell-outs and loud home support.
“This is what Chelsea have cultivated at Kingsmeadow and it has given them a huge advantage. It remains to be seen how this will translate to Stamford Bridge.
“The fans will not want to sacrifice the atmosphere they have built up to keep up with the ‘Jones’ style of movement and Chelsea will not back down if it looks like things are not going to get better.
“It’s a big move and an understandable move, but it’s risky. A lot of work has to be done to make it successful.”
