WSL set for huge upgrade! Women's top flight to add two extra teams from 2026-2027 season with new play-off format introduced

In a change that was approved on Monday, the WSL will have 14 clubs from the 2026-27 campaign. To achieve that outcome, the top two clubs in WSL 2 will be promoted into the top flight at the end of this coming season - it has previously been only one. The threat of relegation from the WSL will also remain, but the bottom club in the top flight standings will contest a relegation play-off against WSL 2's third-placed team.

It marks a major change for the WSL bit avoids the controversy of temporarily ending relegation, which was one possible option that had been floated. The idea was widely criticised, contradicting the essence of what sport is, and with fears it could ultimately serve as a pathway to make the top flight a closed shop in the future.

"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," WSL Football CEO Nikki Douet said in a statement.

"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 playoff creates distinction for the women's game and introduces a high-profile, high stakes match."

The 2025-26 season is a big one fot the WSL. Following the wave of England's success at Euro 2022 and journey to the 2023 World Cup final, attendances at top flight club level were down by 10% in 2024-25. There had been no international tournament to swell the hype going into the domestic season and it feels vitally important that England do well at Euro 2025 next month to recapture that momentum and wider interest.