Celtic and Rangers 'hold preliminary talks' over shock move across English-Scottish border to WSL

According to The Times,Nikki Doucet, the CEO of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), is working on a proposal which involves integrating Celtic and Rangers into the WSL. Additionally, the concept of a 'closed league' similar to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States is being examined.

The Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), established in 2022, is still in its developmental stages. The league’s creation marked a shift in ownership and operations of Scotland’s top two divisions, aiming to bring more professionalism to the women’s game. Despite this progress, the growth in attendance and commercial success for Scottish teams has not kept pace with their English counterparts which has reinforced the need for greater investment to help Scottish teams succeed in Europe.

Reports indicate that Rangers began informal discussions with the English Football Association (FA) last year regarding the feasibility of joining the WSL. These exploratory talks have since progressed under the WPLL, which assumed control of the WSL and Women’s Championship in August.

At present, talks remain in their infancy, with no formal proposals made to the SWPL or the Scottish FA. The latter’s approval would be essential for any move to materialise, and it appears unlikely at this stage. Furthermore, league regulations stipulate a two-season notice period for teams wishing to leave the SWPL, making any potential transition a long-term prospect.