LONDON, June 17 — The English Women’s Super League (WSL) will expand from 12 to 14 teams starting with the 2026/27 season, following a vote by clubs yesterday.
LONDON, June 17 — The English Women’s Super League (WSL) will expand from 12 to 14 teams starting with the 2026/27 season, following a vote by clubs yesterday.
The proposed changes still require final approval from the English Football Association but are expected to go ahead. A promotion/relegation play-off will be introduced as part of a broader overhaul of the women's league structure.
Currently, only one team is relegated and one promoted each season. Under the new system, starting next season, the top two teams from the second-tier WSL2 will be automatically promoted. The third-placed WSL2 team will then face the bottom team from the top tier in a play-off.
Beginning in the 2026/27 season, the league will revert to one automatic promotion and relegation spot, with an added play-off between the second-bottom WSL team and the second-placed WSL2 team.
"Subject to FA board approval, expanding the WSL to 14 teams will encourage movement through the pyramid and increase opportunities," said Nikki Doucet, CEO of Women's Professional Leagues Limited. "Introducing a promotion/relegation play-off adds a unique and high-stakes element to the women's game."
The expansion is part of a 10-year strategy aimed at elevating standards across the top two divisions, with a focus on better facilities, staffing, and youth development.
According to Deloitte, collective WSL revenues rose 34 percent to £65 million (US$88 million) in the 2023/24 season, with projections reaching £100 million in the upcoming campaign. However, average match attendances declined by 10 percent last season to 6,642, as the post-Euro 2022 enthusiasm began to wane. — AFP pic
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