Women's Super League possibly expanding

The Women’s Super League (WSL) could be expanding from 12 teams to 14 starting from the end of the 2025-2026 season. This means more teams will get the chance to play at the top level of women’s football in England. The change would begin after the 2025 season, when two teams from the second-tier league (WSL 2) will be promoted directly into the WSL. At the same time, the team that finishes last in the WSL that season will be relegated and lose their spot in the league.

Then, once the 2026-2027 season starts off with 14 teams, the promotion and relegation system will get a bit of an update. The team that finishes in 14th place (last) will be automatically relegated, just like usual. However, the team that finishes 13th will now have a chance to fight for their place. They will face the second-place team from WSL 2 in a play-off match. The winner of that match will earn a spot in the WSL for the 2027-2028 season, while the loser will have a chance to play next season. This change is meant to give the clubs that messed up a second chance and make competition stronger because all clubs want to fight for another chance to make it up top.

WSL Football boss Nikki Doucet said that the decision came after months of research, discussion, and planning. She believes this change will help grow the game, boost competition, and open more opportunities for clubs and players. The Football Association still needs to officially approve the changes before July 31, 2025, for them to be confirmed.