Brighton & Hove Albion has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a dedicated stadium for its Women’s Super League (WSL) team, aiming for completion by the 2027-28 season. The proposal, first submitted in October 2023, received approval from the local council shortly thereafter.
The Seagulls have been making significant strides with their women’s team, bolstering the squad by signing England internationals Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris last summer. While the team currently plays the majority of their WSL matches at Crawley Town’s Broadfield Stadium, Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirmed that they have made progress on the new venue, and they have already identified a site.
Asked about the potential timeline for the stadium’s completion, Barber noted: “It’s not totally out of the question for the stadium to be ready by the start of the 2026-27 season, but the 2027-28 season is probably more realistic. We will be working very hard to make this happen as quickly as possible.”
The development, Barber explained, depends on several factors, including construction plans and securing the necessary planning permissions. Despite the challenges, he expressed excitement about the potential impact the stadium will have, not only for the club but for the wider women’s and girls’ football scene in Brighton.
In 2021, the club invested £8.5 million to move the women’s team into the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, providing a state-of-the-art training facility. However, Barber emphasized the importance of a purpose-built stadium to give the women’s team the recognition it deserves and to build a loyal fanbase.
“The women’s game is growing rapidly, and we see it as a long-term project that will help us create a sustainable future,” Barber said. “A dedicated stadium will help us connect with supporters and enhance the profile of women’s football.”
Brighton’s plans for the new venue include a modular design, allowing for future expansion as the team’s audience grows. While the focus is on the development of a new stadium, Barber acknowledged the possibility that both the men’s and women’s teams could eventually share the American Express Stadium, should modifications be made to accommodate the women’s team.
“It’s not inconceivable that both teams could play regularly at the AMEX in the future,” Barber said. “However, in the short-to-medium term, we believe a purpose-built women’s stadium is the best way forward to grow the programme and serve the women’s team.”
As the women’s game continues to gain momentum, Brighton’s commitment to its growth both on and off the pitch is clear, with the proposed stadium marking a significant step towards the future of women’s football in the city.
