WSL set to expand from 2026/27

After the upcoming term, the top flight is due to grow from 12 to 14 teams, following plans approved on Monday after a vote by clubs.

For 2025/26, it means the top two sides in the second tier, WSL 2, will be awarded automatic promotion, as opposed to just the champions coming up as in the campaign just gone.

There will also be no immediate relegation for the team that finishes bottom of the WSL, as they will face the third-placed club from WSL 2 in a play-off, with the winners forming part of the first 14-strong Super League in '26/27.

While the size of the league has been expanded, it was agreed that the format would stay the same - every team playing one another home and away in a season - and that Champions League qualification will remain reward for only the top-three finishers.

United, of course, completed the recent 2024/25 campaign in third and are set to enter the next edition of the elite European competition at the second qualifying round, for which the draw will be made later this month.

From 2026/27, and as is the case in the current structure, the side that finishes bottom of the WSL will be automatically relegated while the WSL 2 champions will be promoted. 

However, in addition to that, there is set to be the introduction of a promotion/relegation play-off between the 13th-placed team in the first tier and the runners-up in the second division, to determine which club will get the top-flight spot for the following term.

The aforementioned decisions are subject to approval by The FA Board.

Nikki Doucet, WSL Football's chief executive, said: “Over the past few months, WSL Football has led a thorough and robust, consultative process backed by research and analysis which explored multiple options that could drive the game forward and help it reach its potential.

“Our priority was to find a route that would benefit the whole women’s game pyramid, and we believe this next evolution of women’s professional football will raise minimum standards, create distinction and incentivise investment across the board.

“Subject to the approval from The FA Board, expanding the BWSL to 14 teams will stimulate movement between leagues and through the pyramid which increases opportunities. The introduction of a promotion/relegation play-off creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high-stakes match.”