Durham, nicknamed the Wildcats, have reached the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals twice and also the League Cup last eight on two occasions, while the club’s under-16 and under-21 teams both reached national finals last season.
Neil Redfearn coached the first team for the final six games of 2025-26, after Adam Furness had a two-year spell as boss.
For a while, Durham were the only side from the north east playing in the WSL structure, although both Newcastle and Sunderland are also now in WSL 2.
However, Durham say they are struggling to cope with the rising costs.
“The club’s current majority shareholders can no longer keep pace with the development of the women’s game,” added the statement. “The club needs to continue – and they are now seeking to pass this over to a party who can build on this legacy and realise the opportunities that the club has moving forward.”
A spokesperson from the Women’s Super League said: “Durham WFC are a valued club within the women’s football pyramid.
“We are saddened by this situation for everyone involved and since we have been made aware, we have been in dialogue with the club and we hope there is a positive resolution.
“Our priority is the players and staff, and we will do all we can to support them during this uncertain time.”