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What you need to know about Women’s Super League expansion

The WSL will expand to a 14-team league with at least two clubs promoted from WSL 2 next season
The WSL will expand to a 14-team league with at least two clubs promoted from WSL 2 next season (Getty)
  • The Women’s Super League (WSL) will expand from 12 to 14 teams starting in the 2026/27 season, following a vote by WSL clubs.
  • The top two teams from WSL 2 will be promoted next season, with a play-off between the third-placed WSL 2 team and the bottom WSL team to determine the final spot.
  • After the initial expansion, a play-off format will continue, with the WSL 2 champion automatically replacing the bottom WSL team, and the second-best WSL 2 side facing the 13th-placed WSL team.
  • A proposal to eliminate relegation was withdrawn after public criticism; the changes were approved after consulting players, fans, and stakeholders.
  • The expansion plans are pending approval from the Football Association through its “golden share,” following WSL Football's takeover of the league's management from the FA last season.
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