WSL 2 side Durham face threat of closure

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WSL 2 side Durham face threat of closureImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Durham striker Leyla McFarland is a Northern Ireland internationalByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished12 minutes agoWomen’s Super League 2 side Durham have warned the club “will have to cease operations at all levels” unless a buyer can be found in three weeks.In 2025-26, Durham finished 10th out of 12 teams in the division – the second tier of women’s football in England – but their participation in the 2026-27 campaign is in doubt.A statement issued on Monday reported: “Durham Women Football Club can today confirm the club is seeking offers for investment into or the complete purchase of the football club.”The club has been in prolonged talks with potential investors for several months but these have fallen away in recent weeks.”Unfortunately, without this additional investment the club does not have sufficient funds to operate in a fully compliant way in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 for the 2026-27 season.”We have today informed staff and players that unless a buyer or investor comes forward within the next 21 days, the club will have to cease operations at all levels.”The club was founded in 2007 as a single under-10 girls’ grassroots team before expanding quickly, with some players from that original side now members of the first-team squad.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Durham play their home matches at Maiden Castle, which has a capacity of up to 2,400WSL 2 award-winner Herron calls for investment in north east football

  • 21 May

Durham, nicknamed the Wildcats, have reached the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals twice and also the League Cup last eight on two occasions, while the club’s under-16 and under-21 teams both reached national finals last season.

Neil Redfearn coached the first team for the final six games of 2025-26, after Adam Furness had a two-year spell as boss.

For a while, Durham were the only side from the north east playing in the WSL structure, although both Newcastle and Sunderland are also now in WSL 2.

However, Durham say they are struggling to cope with the rising costs.

“The club’s current majority shareholders can no longer keep pace with the development of the women’s game,” added the statement. “The club needs to continue – and they are now seeking to pass this over to a party who can build on this legacy and realise the opportunities that the club has moving forward.”

A spokesperson from the Women’s Super League reported: “Durham WFC are a valued club within the women’s football pyramid.

“We are saddened by this situation for everyone involved and since we have been made aware, we have been in dialogue with the club and we hope there is a positive resolution.

“Our priority is the players and staff, and we will do all we can to support them during this uncertain time.”

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines

New episodes of Women’s Football Weekly podcast drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women’s Super League and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed

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