National leaders welcome Brighton's women's stadium plans as a landmark moment for the game

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The club's new 10,000-capacity women's stadium is due to be open in time for the 2030/31 season.

2026-04-28T16:00+01:00

Former Lioness Karen Carney, who played at the Amex for England in 2019, has praised Albion's commitment to a purpose-built women's stadium. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Brighton & Hove Albion’s plans for a purpose‑built women’s stadium have been hailed by senior figures from across the women’s game as a landmark moment for the future of elite women’s football in England and Europe.

The announcement has been welcomed by leaders responsible for shaping the future of the professional women’s game in England.

Karen Carney, former Lioness and a leading voice in the women’s game through her work across football development, governance and media, chaired a government-appointed taskforce that undertook an independent review of women’s football in 2023 and has led praise for the project.

Carney said, “With the amazing summer we had with the women’s game last year, getting the right infrastructure is key to its future. So, it’s brilliant to see Brighton’s commitment to purpose-built facilities and a dedicated women’s stadium.”

Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship, believes Brighton’s plans represent a step change in how women’s football is valued and supported, adding, “For too long, women have had to adapt to facilities that weren’t designed with them in mind. Now, players, managers, staff and fans will be able to experience a stadium designed through the lens of her and reimagine what inclusive, high‑performance spaces can look like for everyone – because when we build for her, we build better for all.

“It sends a strong message about the commitment, belief and value that does exist in the women’s game, and it is a massive moment for the team, the fans and the wider sport. Brighton are building more than a stadium, they are building a society where equitable opportunity isn’t an ambition, it’s the standard.”

Nikki Doucet says Albion's new purpose-built women's stadium "sends a strong message about the commitment, belief and value that does exist in the women’s game."

Dawn Airey, chair of the Women’s Super League and one of the most influential figures in British sport and media, praised the club’s long‑term ambition and leadership. Airey has held senior roles across football, broadcasting and culture, and has played a central role in shaping the direction of the professional women’s game.

She said, “This is a testament to the consistent, continued and committed support of a club that truly understands the importance of investing in its women’s team and fanbase and recognises the momentum behind women’s football today.

"The level of ambition and long‑term thinking sends a powerful message, not just to the players and supporters but to the entire football community about how Brighton place value on equality, opportunity and excellence. Not only are they building a new stadium they are also building a new community, and we hope it inspires others to follow suit and take similarly bold steps.”

Subject to planning approval, the proposed stadium is scheduled to open for the 2030/31 season and would become the UK and Europe’s first purpose‑built venue dedicated to women’s football, reinforcing Brighton & Hove Albion’s position at the forefront of the sport’s continued growth.