The second staging of the revamped Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) kicks off on March 7, and organisers have vowed to continue to develop the sport and its stakeholders after it was revealed that 11 players received scholarships and two earned professional contracts following the completion of the first year of the rebranded competition in the 2025/26 season.

Christine Hudson, chairperson of Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL), said last year’s successful staging allowed the organisation to establish a digital footprint following an increased visibility across all platforms.

“Last season marked our inaugural year managing the marketing and commercialisation of the league, and I am proud to say that it exceeded expectations,” said Hudson.

“We introduced live streaming and created tangible opportunities for our players — including university scholarships and professional contracts. That is impact. That is transformation. That is why this work matters,” said Hudson.

The rebranded league marked another significant step in the structured growth and continued professionalisation of women’s football in Jamaica and it showed.

Champions Frazsiers Whip had two players gaining professional contracts in Davia Richards, who signed for ZFKMasinac in Serbia and Tiny Seaton to World Girls FC in Liberia.

Eight others from Frasziers Whip got scholarships to local and overseas colleges and universities. The likes of Devonae Lewis (University of Maine), Sajane Anderson (Eastern Florida State Academy), Sahai Panton (High Mowing School), Makala Williams and Shakira Richards (Redland Community College), Destiny Powell (Daytona State College), Cassandra Smith and Janiel Mignott (Cisco College).

Dejaunae Lewis of Los Perfectos is off to the University of Maine, while Fredrika Finnikin of Springers is at Seminole State College and Kayla Kidd of Proven FC is off to Shortwood Teachers College.

“As we enter our second season, we are raising the bar — strengthening our digital footprint, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and building a sustainable ecosystem for women’s football in Jamaica,” Hudson added.

Now in its second season under the management of the PWFJL, who execute the league on behalf of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the new season kicks off on Saturday with 12 teams as Real Mona of St Andrew, are making a return to top-flight football for the first time since 2017.

Frazsiers Whip will be challenged by the likes of Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier SC, Federal United FC, Los Perfectos FC, Mile Gully FC, Proven Girls SC, Real Mobay AFC, Springers United SC, UWI Women’s FC and WiFi United FC.

The clubs will be divided into two zones and will contest a condensed three-month competition format. Matches will primarily be played on Saturdays across multiple venues islandwide, culminating in a two-legged semi-final round scheduled for May 16 and May 23, 2026.

The league remains firmly committed to its long-term competition model and anticipates returning to a full six-month season beginning in December 2026.

Hudson emphasised that the League’s evolution extends beyond competition.

“This is more than football. It is about structure, professionalism, opportunity, and empowering Jamaican women. When our league grows, our players grow — and when our players grow, our nation benefits,” Hudson pointed out.

The 2025/26 season will see the introduction of the league’s official website, creating a centralised digital home for fixtures, standings, match highlights, news and league updates. Weekly matches will be streamed live via the competition’s official YouTube channel, further expanding access and visibility locally and internationally.

Fans are encouraged to follow the league on Instagram and YouTube @jawomenspremierleague and visit www.jawomenspremierleague.com for official updates.

A host of sponsors were on hand, including Kind Hearts Foundation, Valvoline, KFC, Supreme Ventures, Sherwin Williams, SORA Media, MPowa, Wata, Powerade, TruShake, Hummel Jamaica, Mailpac, and Acroscopic and all were recognised for their continued support of the women’s game. The
Jamaica Observer is the official media partner of the JWPL.

KFC handed over a symbolic cheque of $3.5m and Supreme Venture did likewise with $2m.

Chairperson of Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited Christine Hudson (left) receives a symbolic cheque from Kajay Rowe, AVP, Marketing and Innovation, Supreme Ventures Limited, during the launch of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League, which took place at Jaguar Land Rover Showroom on March 3, 2026. The 2025/2026 JWPL season kicks off on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

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