Exciting News: Women’s Elite Rugby League Set to Launch in 2025

Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is set to make its debut in 2025 with a groundbreaking approach to the sport. The U.S.-based league, led by president Jessica Hammond-Graf, aims to have at least six teams and a commitment to pay its players, a move that could revolutionize women’s sports.

Hammond-Graf recently shared some of the league’s financial details and plans during a media call, highlighting the organization’s efforts to raise investment capital to support the league. While specific compensation details for WER players have not been disclosed, the league’s focus on providing financial support to elite athletes is a significant step forward.

With the growing interest in women’s rugby and the upcoming 2031 men’s and 2033 women’s Rugby World Cups set to take place in the United States, WER is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the sport’s momentum. The league is currently halfway through a pre-seed funding round, with plans to leverage international events like the World Cups to attract financial support from corporate sponsors and World Rugby.

Internationally, women’s rugby has seen significant growth, with New Zealand’s dominance in the sport and record-breaking attendance at events like the Women’s Six Nations Championship. WER aims to tap into the 2.7 million high-level players worldwide and establish itself as the premier rugby league in the United States.

The announcement of WER comes 15 years after the Women’s Premier League’s debut, highlighting the need for a sustainable model that compensates players for their dedication to the sport. WER’s mission to set a new standard for women’s rugby in the U.S. signals a promising future for the sport and its athletes.