The landscape of women's football in England is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The Women's Super League (WSL) is set to expand from 12 to 14 teams starting in the 2026/27 season, a decision reached after a vote by member clubs and awaiting final approval from The FA Board. This expansion signifies a pivotal moment, reflecting the growing investment, heightened competition, and increasing national interest in the women's game.
The current format of the WSL, which involves 12 teams competing in a double round-robin format, will be retained even after the expansion. To facilitate the transition, the 2025/26 season will see the top two teams from the Women's Super League 2 (WSL2) gain automatic promotion to the top flight. Adding another layer of competition, the team finishing third in WSL2 will face the team finishing 12th in the WSL in a play-off match to determine the final spot in the top tier.
From the 2026/27 season onwards, the promotion and relegation system will be streamlined. The team finishing at the bottom of the WSL table will be automatically relegated to WSL2, while the champion of WSL2 will be promoted. Furthermore, a play-off will be introduced between the team finishing 13th in the WSL and the runner-up in WSL2, adding further excitement and high stakes to the season's conclusion.
Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, emphasized that this expansion is not merely about increasing the number of teams but about elevating the standards, investment, and excitement throughout the entire women's football pyramid. The changes aim to stimulate movement between leagues, create distinction, and incentivize investment across the board. Doucet also highlighted the introduction of a promotion/relegation play-off, describing it as a "high-profile, high-stakes match" that will add a new dimension to the women's game.
The expansion is part of a larger, long-term strategy to elevate the standards of the top two tiers of English women's football, focusing on improving facilities, staffing, and academies. The changes will see teams in the top flight play an expanded schedule of 26 games, up from the current 22.
While the expansion promises a more competitive and dynamic league, it also presents challenges. Average attendances in the WSL dipped by 10 percent last season, despite a surge in interest following England's success at Euro 2022. This suggests that the league needs to continue working on attracting and retaining fans to ensure its long-term success.
Overall, the expansion of the Women's Super League is a positive step forward for women's football in England. It promises to increase competition, raise standards, and create more opportunities for players and clubs. With increased investment and a commitment to developing the game at all levels, the WSL is poised to become one of the most exciting and competitive women's football leagues in the world.
