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The Barclays Women’s Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams in the 2026/27 season, pending FA Board approval, to boost the growth of women’s football in England.
Women’s Super League is set for evolution. (AFP Photo)
In a groundbreaking development for women’s football in England, clubs at the WSL Football shareholders’ meeting have voted to expand the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) from 12 to 14 teams beginning in the 2026/27 season.
This decision, pending approval from The FA Board, signifies a major stride in the ongoing growth and professionalisation of the women’s game.
Since its inception, the WSL has operated with 12 teams, but the expansion reflects the increasing interest, investment, and competitiveness within the league and the broader pyramid. The new format will continue with a double round-robin system.
To support the expansion, up to three teams will be promoted from the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) at the end of the 2025/26 season. The top two WSL2 clubs will secure automatic promotion, while a playoff will determine the final spot between the 12th-placed WSL team and the 3rd-placed WSL2 side.
Starting from the 2026/27 season, the WSL will see its bottom team automatically relegated, with the WSL2 champions gaining automatic promotion. Additionally, a new playoff will be introduced between the 13th-placed WSL team and the WSL2 runners-up, adding an exciting new fixture to the women’s football calendar.
Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, stated: “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. 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.”
With IANS Inputs
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