The Women's Super League (WSL) is set to expand to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season, introducing a unique playoff system for promotion/relegation. This decision follows an in-depth analysis by WSL Football, which took over ownership from the Football Association, aiming for sustainable growth and increased competitiveness in women's football.
How WSL’s expansion to 14 teams will reshape the women’s football pyramid
Women's Super LeagueWomen’s ChampionshipWomen's footballSports
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Women's Super League (WSL) is set to expand to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season, introducing a unique playoff system for promotion/relegation. This decision follows an in-depth analysis by WSL Football, which took over ownership from the Football Association, aiming for sustainable growth and increased competitiveness in women's football.
Trending- 1 Transfer of WSL/WSL2 ownership from FA to WSL Football (last summer)
- 2 Switch from single WNL promotion to WNL North/South champions promoted (2023-24 season)
- 3 Interim 2025-26 season with specific promotion/relegation rules
- 4 WSL expands to 14 teams with new playoff system (from 2026-27 season)
- Increased jeopardy in WSL
- More to play for in WSL2
- Potential for engaging showpiece games
- Increased financial demands on WSL2 clubs
- Some clubs self-relegating or failing to apply for licenses due to new requirements
- Potential for further investment in women's football
- Stronger relationship needed between WSL Football and WNL
What: The Women's Super League (WSL) will expand to 14 teams, introducing a playoff system for promotion and relegation, and WSL2 will remain a 12-team league. There will be a one-year pause in relegation for the 2025-26 season, with two teams promoted automatically from WSL2 and the WSL's bottom club playing off against WSL2 third place. A third promotion spot from WNL to WSL2 will also be available next season.
When: From 2026-27 season (WSL expansion and new playoff system); 2025-26 season (interim changes, one-year pause in relegation, third WNL promotion spot); Last summer (transfer of ownership); 2023-24 season (switch to two WNL promotion places).
Where: United Kingdom (implied by Women's Super League)
Why: To achieve sustainable growth, increase competitiveness, address long-standing clamour for expansion, and improve player welfare. Research suggests 14 teams is optimal for competitiveness currently.
How: By transferring ownership from the FA to WSL Football (clubs as shareholders), conducting in-depth analysis and consultations, implementing a two-club expansion, and introducing a playoff system between WSL and WSL2, and a playoff for WNL runners-up.