EDFL set to introduce salary cap for its women’s competitions

One Victorian local footy’s biggest leagues has announced it will officially introduce a salary cap for its women‘s competitions next season. See the full details.

A local Victorian football league will officially adopt a salary cap for its women’s competitions.

The Essendon District Football League announced on Tuesday it would introduce a cap for the 2024 season following a two-year trial period.

Under the trial, all grades had a different cap.

Premier Division clubs were able to spend $8000 on players while those in Division 1 and 2 will be able to spend up to $6500 and $5000 respectively.

This compares to the $110,000 Premier Division men’s clubs were able to spend in 2023.

“The EDFL and its clubs are committed to the growth and prosperity of women’s football and conducted this trial in the best interests of growing the game, in particular for those clubs that have a limited junior base in under-age girls,” a league statement said.

“Feedback from the clubs indicated there was very strong support for the concept of having a female cap that is completely separate from the men’s cap to support the rapid progression of women’s footy in our league.

“Data has also shown that transfer rates have reduced and stabilised from 2019 to 2023 indicating a higher retention rate of players in women’s programs since the commencement of the trial.

“The adopting of the salary cap does not mean clubs are obliged to make any payment to female players.

Those that do will come under the same rules and regulations as per AFL Victoria Community Club Sustainability - Guidelines for Player Payment Rules.”

The newly introduced cap will be separate from those used in the men’s competitions.

Clubs don’t have to pay their women’s players.