Women's League Cup could be SCRAPPED in huge shake-up of the game in England

The competition has formed part of the domestic schedule since 2011, as it was introduced alongside the launch of the Women's Super League. Prior to that, top-flight sides had been challenging for major silverware in the Women’s Premier League Cup.

The current format of the tournament is now in doubt as The Guardian reports that "the Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd, the organisation responsible for the Women’s Super League and Championship, explores possible league expansion and reviews competition structures".

Title sponsors Subway have a two-year deal in place, but the "WPLL has been extremely transparent with the company as it explores changes to the game". The WPLL “will consult clubs, the Football Association, fans and players on all alternatives under consideration”.

Chelsea savoured League Cup glory for a third time when seeing off Manchester City in the 2025 final. Across 14 stagings of the competition, only Chelsea, City and Arsenal have emerged triumphant – with the Gunners lifting the trophy on a record-setting seven occasions.

Questions have been asked of the format in recent times, with a group stage introduced in 2016. That is considered to be overly complicated, as it splits teams on a geographical basis and offers additional points for games that end in draws and go to penalties. Those sides competing in the Champions League do not enter until the quarter-finals, meaning that they only play three games en route to the final.