Blackburn Rovers are facing a critical deadline to decide whether they want to remain in the Women’s Championship or face relegation from English football’s second tier. The club has been given until Monday, May 18 to state their intention to finance their women’s team, with the Women’s Super League Football organisation sending a seven-day deadline to the owners. If no statement of intent is signed, the club will drop out of the second division. The women’s team is waiting for the ownership’s decision, leaving players and staff in limbo over their future. Blackburn defender Niamh Murphy expressed her frustration on social media, stating that the team has consistently lacked financial support from the club. The team has a strong academy set-up, producing England internationals such as Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, and Georgia Stanway. Regulations for the women’s pyramid state that any club which withdraws from a league can only re-enter at least two tiers lower. If relegated, Blackburn would be the second club in two seasons to be demoted from the Championship because of financial concerns. The club finished second from bottom in the Championship, rebranded as WSL2 for the 2025-26 season, ahead of relegated Sheffield United. The future of the women’s team remains uncertain, with players and staff awaiting the ownership’s decision. The club’s hierarchy met on Monday to discuss the situation, with many within the team said to be devastated by the unfolding situation. Blackburn declined to comment when approached by The Athletic. The club’s women’s team has worked relentlessly hard all season, despite having the smallest budget, and avoiding relegation is a huge success and a credit to the women’s players and staff.