Chelsea have announced that their women’s fixtures will be moved to Stamford Bridge from the 2026-27 season.
The decision to move the women’s team fixtures in Women’s Super League from Kingsmeadow after this season has come after discussion with the playing squad, partners, supporters and the Fan Advisory Board, with view to making Stamford Bridge ‘a place to compete and win.’
Chelsea however have confirmed that Kingsmeadow will be retained for specific fixtures within cup competitions on a case-by-case basis, but will be primarily used as the home ground for academy matches across their men and women’s youth academy.
Chelsea Women manager, Sonia Bompastor has welcomed the move to Stamford Bridge but paid tribute to Kingsmeadow which allowed the squad and supporters to form a bond.
“We are privileged to be involved in women’s football, to see thousands of our incredible supporters following us and being a part of our lives. We will always feel a special connection to Kingsmeadow and everything our fans, staff and local community have helped create for us to stand here now, committing our future to Stamford Bridge.
“The squad, and every player to have pulled on a Chelsea shirt before them, has worked so hard for this as has every member of staff to stand on the sidelines.
“We can’t wait to welcome you in September, and to provide a stadium that helps us as we write the next chapter for this amazing club. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to keep growing, to perform at the highest level and to create a special atmosphere in a stadium we all love.”
Chelsea FC Women CEO, Aki Mandhar added: “Our commitment to play all Barclays Women’s Super League matches at Stamford Bridge from next season reaffirms our ambition and intent to make CFCW the leading women’s sports club in the world.
“Playing the team’s BWSL matches at such an iconic ground ensures our players and supporters have the arena they deserve as we look to propel the game into its next phase of growth.
“At CFCW we are never done growing and pushing progress to take the game and women’s sports to new heights. We are grateful to all our players and the Fan Advisory Board for their support on this historic move.”
Chelsea Women’s players penned an open letter to fans in which they spoke of pride at securing a permanent move to Stamford Bridge, but paid tribute to Kingsmeadow for providing them with memories and stars like Karen Carney, Ji So-yun, Fran Kirby, Magdalena Eriksson and success under Emma Hayes.
“This moment is not just for us. It’s for every player to have worn the Chelsea badge. It’s for every person who has pushed the women’s game forward. It’s for every supporter who has been with us on our incredible journey.
“There have been challenges along the way in striving to grow the game, encourage participation and increase visibility. It’s certainly not always been easy, but when you represent this club, you never give in. You push that extra bit harder. You break down barriers.
“Leaving Kingsmeadow after nine years is bittersweet.
“It’s where so many Chelsea greats built their legacies. From Kaz Carney’s enduring quality, Ji’s quiet brilliance, Super Fran’s decisive goals, Magda’s stoic defensive work and, of course, our many firsts and successes under Emma. Foundations which Sonia has continued to build on, notably when – together – we completed an unbeaten domestic treble last season.
“Countless memories, off the pitch and on it, were created by friends, family and our incredible fans at the stadium. We’ve celebrated unforgettable triumphs but also had tearful farewells and heartfelt goodbyes.
“And we’ll always remember in 2021 during COVID, after we claimed the WSL title, the group of you that gathered outside Kingsmeadow to celebrate with us. That was special. Yet, as was the case when we left Wheatsheaf Park, a new era begins, and Stamford Bridge provides the stage this team deserves.
“It’s one we’ve already enjoyed great moments on: Beth England’s screamer against Tottenham in 2019, Maren’s nerveless penalty against Lyon, LJ’s back-to-back hat-tricks against Liverpool and Manchester United, our dramatic Champions League win over Manchester City last season and lifting the Women’s Super League trophy.
“We want to add to that list in the years ahead, and we want you with us every step of the way.
“The connection we have with you, our supporters, is never taken for granted. We heard you when it was tough against Barcelona, you backed us earlier this season when we didn’t get the result we wanted against Arsenal.
“You inspire us and we hope that we can continue to inspire you – and further grow the most passionate fanbase in women’s football.
“This is a new chapter, but our ambition remains the same. We want to win. We want to lift more trophies. We want to create further history. That is what Chelsea has always done –and we’re going to continue that legacy with our supporters beside us at the Bridge.
“Women’s football was first played at Stamford Bridge in 1920. Fifty years later, Chelsea Ladies were born.
“The team’s rebirth in 1992 put us on the path to the present day, and without the courage and sacrifices of those trailblazers, we would not be able to take this next important step.
“But while we honour the past, it’s the future that we as players must focus on. And you have our word that, as a squad, we’ll do all we can to create memories and celebrate further successes (alongside you) at our new home.
“Our incredible journey is never done. See you at the Bridge.”
Leave a Reply