The professionalization of the Women’s Super League (WSL) has reached a tipping point in 2026. While the historical focus remained on closing the player-wage gap, the "managerial market" has seen an unprecedented surge. Following the departure of Emma Hayes to the USWNT on a multi-million-pound deal, WSL clubs have had to significantly increase their compensation packages to attract and retain world-class tactical minds like Sonia Bompastor and Jonas Eidevall.
The top-tier WSL manager can expect to earn a salary that rivals senior executives in other industries, with elite figures now commanding high six-figure sums.
WSL Manager Salaries: The 2026 Breakdown
The current salary landscape for managers in the WSL is divided into three distinct tiers: the elite Champions League contenders, the mid-table stalwarts, and those at the league's lower end.
| Role | Annual Salary | Monthly | Weekly |
| Highest Paid (Elite) | £500,000+ | £41,600 | £9,615 |
| Average WSL Manager | £120,000 – £200,000 | £10,000 – £16,600 | £2,300 – £3,800 |
| Starting/Lower Tier | £70,000 – £90,000 | £5,800 – £7,500 | £1,350 – £1,700 |
Who is the highest earner in the WSL?
Following her historic unbeaten domestic treble in 2025, Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea) is widely considered the highest-paid manager in the WSL.
The New Deal: On February 6, 2026, Chelsea announced a contract extension for Bompastor running until 2030.
Estimated Earnings: Her new package is estimated to be worth north of £500,000 per year, reflecting her status as a Champions League-winning coach and the dominant force in English football.The International Benchmark: Sarina Wiegman
While Chelsea leads the club scene, the England Women's Manager remains the gold standard for management pay in the UK.
Sarina Wiegman's Salary: Wiegman’s contract with the FA, extended through the 2027 World Cup, earns her a base salary of £400,000, which with performance-related bonuses from the Euro 2025 victory, is thought to exceed £600,000.
Net Worth: Wiegman’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million, bolstered by her long-term success with both the Netherlands and England.Comparison: WSL 2022 vs. 2026
The growth in four years has been exponential. In 2022, the average WSL player salary was just £47,000, and many managers were earning under £100,000.
2026 Shift: A new salary floor for players (£40,000) and increased TV revenue have pushed the average managerial wage into the mid-six figures for the top half of the table.
Arsenal Ladies Manager: Jonas Eidevall remains one of the top earners, having signed a long-term deal that rewards his consistency and the club's growing commercial power.Highest Paid Managers in Women's Football (Global - 2026)
Emma Hayes (USWNT): ~$2 Million (£1.6m) – The global benchmark.
Sarina Wiegman (England): ~£600,000 (including bonuses).
Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea): ~£500,000+.
Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit): ~$450,000 – Reflecting the NWSL's massive investment in coaching talent.