WSL expansion confirmed

The Women’s Super League (WSL) is set to expand from 12 to 14 teams starting with the 2026–27 season, following a pivotal vote by clubs this week. Despite the expansion, the threat of relegation will remain firmly in place.

Under the new structure, the top two teams from WSL 2 (the second tier) will gain automatic promotion at the end of the 2025–26 season. Meanwhile, the third-placed WSL 2 side will battle the bottom-placed WSL team in a high-stakes play-off for a coveted top-flight spot.

This announcement ends months of speculation and debate, especially after earlier reports suggested relegation could be temporarily scrapped—a proposal that sparked significant backlash. WSL Football, the organisation overseeing both tiers since taking control from the FA in August 2024, confirmed that those discussions were merely exploratory.

Breakdown of Promotion & Relegation Changes:

For the 2025–26 season:

• WSL 2 champion: Automatic promotion

• WSL 2 runner-up: Automatic promotion

• WSL 2 third place vs WSL bottom club: Play-off for WSL spot

From 2026–27 onward:

• 1 automatic promotion from WSL 2

• 1 automatic relegation from WSL

• WSL second-bottom vs WSL 2 runners-up: Play-off

• Expansion complete: 14 teams in WSL

The FA is expected to formally approve the changes before 31 July—a formality after club approval.

Impact on the Lower Leagues:

The National League Premier Division North and South champions are expected to earn direct promotion into WSL 2 starting next season. Their runners-up will face each other in a play-off for a final second-tier spot.

From 2026–27, WSL 2 will also see two teams relegated annually, aligning with two automatic promotions from the third tier, ensuring fluid movement between the leagues.

All promoted clubs must still meet strict licensing requirements to secure their place in WSL or WSL 2.