Lionesses' Empty Seats: Success Creates a Curious Gap

England's women's football scene is a global benchmark for attendance, yet a noticeable gap persists between tickets sold and fans present at Lionesses' matches. In 2025, thousands of ticket holders did not attend home fixtures, a trend that has drawn criticism, especially for sell-out games at Wembley. This phenomenon occurs despite the sport's burgeoning popularity and high overall attendance figures.

The Football Association attributes this gap to several factors. Tickets often go on sale months in advance, capitalizing on tournament highs, which increases the likelihood of potential attendees' plans changing. The low price point of tickets, while promoting accessibility, also means some fans may choose not to attend if other issues arise, such as poor weather or scheduling conflicts with men's fixtures.

Efforts are underway within the FA to address this, involving a cross-functional team and engagement with the Football Supporters' Association. While solutions like resale platforms are considered, the FA aims to find a balance that accommodates growing audience expectations. The current high attendance levels, however, underscore the significant progress made in popularizing women's football in England.