The Women’s Super League (WSL) is gearing up for its most significant transformation yet. Starting with the 2026-27 season, the top tier of English women’s football will expand from 12 to 14 teams, ushering in a new era of opportunity, competition, and excitement. But amid this growth, one thing is clear: relegation is here to stay, ensuring that every match counts and the league’s competitive edge remains razor-sharp.
Why the WSL Is Expanding
The decision to expand the WSL comes after months of consultation, research, and a decisive vote among clubs in both the WSL and its second division, WSL 2. This move reflects the league’s booming popularity, increased investment, and the desire to raise standards across the women’s football pyramid.
Key Drivers Behind Expansion:
Growing Fan Base: Record attendances and rising TV viewership.
Commercial Growth: Major sponsorships and investments, including high-profile deals and club valuations.
Competitive Balance: More teams mean more opportunities for players, coaches, and fans.
Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, emphasized, “Expanding to 14 teams will stimulate movement between leagues, increase opportunities, and create high-stakes matches that elevate the women’s game”.
How Promotion and Relegation Will Work
The expansion is not just about adding teams—it’s about maintaining the league’s integrity. Relegation will continue to play a crucial role, keeping the stakes high for every club.
The Transition Season: 2025-26
To facilitate the move to 14 teams, the 2025-26 season will see:
Two Teams Promoted: The top two finishers in WSL 2 earn automatic promotion.
Playoff Drama: The 12th-placed WSL team faces the third-placed WSL 2 side in a do-or-die playoff for a spot in the top flight.
The New Format: From 2026-27 Onward
Once the league reaches 14 teams, the promotion and relegation system will be as follows:
Automatic Relegation: The team finishing 14th in the WSL is relegated to WSL 2.
Automatic Promotion: The WSL 2 champions are promoted to the top tier.
Relegation Playoff: The 13th-placed WSL team faces the WSL 2 runners-up in a high-stakes playoff, with the winner earning a place in the WSL.
This system mirrors popular formats in top European men’s leagues, adding drama and ensuring that every club must fight to retain its spot.
What This Means for Clubs, Players, and Fans
The expansion and retention of relegation bring a host of benefits and challenges for everyone involved in women’s football.
For Clubs
More Opportunities: Two extra spots mean more clubs can compete at the highest level.
Increased Investment: The league’s growth is expected to attract further sponsorship and revenue, with projections that WSL revenues will surpass £100 million by 2026.
Higher Standards: Clubs must raise their game both on and off the pitch to avoid relegation and seize promotion.
For Players
Pathways to the Top: More teams mean more roster spots and opportunities for emerging talent.
Competitive Edge: The threat of relegation ensures players and teams remain motivated throughout the season.
For Fans
More Matches: The double round-robin format means more games, more rivalries, and more drama.
High-Stakes Fixtures: The introduction of playoffs for promotion and relegation guarantees must-watch matches at both ends of the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the WSL expand to 14 teams?
The Women’s Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams starting with the 2026-27 season.
2. Will relegation still exist after the expansion?
Yes, relegation will remain. The bottom team will be automatically relegated, and the second-bottom will face a playoff to retain their spot.
3. How will teams be promoted to the WSL?
For the 2025-26 season, the top two teams from WSL 2 will be promoted automatically, and the third-placed team will play a playoff against the 12th-placed WSL side.
4. What happens from the 2026-27 season onward?
From 2026-27, the 14th-placed WSL team will be relegated, the WSL 2 champions promoted, and a playoff will determine the final spot between the 13th-placed WSL team and the WSL 2 runners-up.
5. Why did the WSL decide to keep relegation?
The league believes that maintaining relegation ensures competitive integrity, keeps clubs motivated, and adds excitement for fans.
Conclusion
The WSL’s expansion to 14 teams is a landmark moment for English women’s football, promising more opportunities, bigger audiences, and even greater drama. By keeping relegation in place, the league ensures that every match remains meaningful and that the competitive spirit at the heart of football thrives. As the WSL enters this new era, fans, players, and clubs alike can look forward to a future filled with excitement, growth, and world-class football.
