Iceland’s Women’s Besta deildin is the newest member of the Women’s Leagues Forum, joining the forces with the world’s top leagues to enhance national league professionalization, exchange best practice and champion shared priorities.
Featuring 10 clubs, the Women’s Besta dieldin is the top tier of women’s football in Iceland, operating as an elite pathway and key driver of development. It combines a high standard of competition, strong club identities, modern infrastructure, and a close connection to the national team programme, making it one of the most important platforms for women’s sport in Iceland.
Icelandic Topfootball CEO Birghir Johannson, who runs both the men’s and women’s national leagues, recently met with co-chairs Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football (ENG) and Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner (USA) to formalise its membership.
“Joining the Women’s Leagues Forum enables us to connect with the global community of leagues committed to the professionalization and growth of elite women’s football,” he said.
“Despite great variations in size and circumstances around the world, national women’s leagues must navigate similar challenges as they professionalize. Shared knowledge and co-ordinated advocacy enable us to accelerate our development, creating better careers for players, better football for fans, and better commercial opportunities for our partners.”
The Women’s Leagues Forum works under the umbrella of the World Leagues Association to foster co-operation among the world’s top women’s leagues, and to represent them at the global level.
About the Women’s Besta deildin
The 10-club Women’s Besta deildin plays a central role in Icelandic sports culture and reflects the country’s strong passion for football. Despite Iceland’s small population, participation in football is exceptionally high, supported by excellent facilities, modern infrastructure, and well-organised clubs across the country.
The Women’s Besta deildin has been a key driver in the development of women’s football in Iceland and serves as an important pathway to the Icelandic Women’s National Team. Many elite players began their senior careers in the league before moving abroad. The competitive environment and emphasis on player development within the national league have contributed significantly to the national team’s consistent presence at major international tournaments, as well as the players’ ability to perform in major professional leagues around the world.
