LONDON – Plans are underway for a significant expansion of the top women’s soccer league in England, with the Women’s Super League (WSL) poised to grow from 12 to 14 teams by the 2026-27 season.
The initiative, proposed by the league’s clubs on Monday, is pending final approval from England’s Football Association board.
Under the proposed changes, the conclusion of the 2025-26 season will see the top two teams from the second division, known as WSL 2, automatically promoted to the top-tier league.
Additionally, the team finishing third in WSL 2 will have the opportunity to ascend to the Women’s Super League by competing in a playoff against the team that finishes last in the top league.
Post-expansion, the league will adopt a system where each season features one team being automatically relegated from the Women’s Super League and another securing automatic promotion from WSL 2.
Additionally, there will be a playoff match involving the second-to-last team from the Super League and the runner-up from the second tier, adding a layer of excitement to the league dynamics.
“The introduction of a promotion/relegation playoff enhances the uniqueness of the women’s game, providing excitement and significance to the match,” stated Nikki Doucet, the chief executive of WSL Football.