WSL Expansion: 2026-27 Season & Sport Grill Partnership
The Women’s Super League (WSL) is set to become more competitive! Prepare for the 2026-27 season, as the WSL expands to 14 teams, promising exciting new matchups and elevated competition for the championship role. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates on the upcoming changes, including adjustments to the promotion and relegation format for the 2025-26 season. Discover how the rebranded WSL2, formerly the Women’s Championship, will factor into this evolving landscape. The top three WSL clubs continue their UEFA Women’s Champions League chase. Join us as we examine the driving decisions behind maximizing soccer potential. Discover what’s next …
Women’s Super League Expansion Set for 2026-27 Season
Updated June 16, 2025
The Women’s Super League (WSL) is expanding, adding two teams for the 2026-27 season. This will bring the total number of teams competing for the championship role to 14. Currently,both the WSL and the Women’s Championship,which will be rebranded as WSL2 next season,have 12 teams.
To prepare for the expansion, the 2025-26 campaign will feature adjustments to the promotion and relegation format. The top two clubs from WSL2 will automatically be promoted. The club finishing third will compete in a promotion/relegation playoff against the 12th-placed WSL team.
Following the 2025-26 season, the team finishing in 14th place in the WSL will be automatically relegated. The WSL2 champion will be automatically promoted. A promotion/relegation playoff will determine the fate of the second-placed WSL2 team and the 13th-placed WSL team.If the WSL2 team wins,it will be promoted; or else,the WSL team will avoid relegation.
nikki Doucet, WSL Football CEO, said the decision followed “a thorough and robust consultation” involving research and analysis of options to maximize the sport’s potential.
Doucet said she believes the new league system will “benefit the whole women’s game pyramid,” create improved minimum standards,and incentivize investment within English football.
The regular league season will maintain its round-robin format.The top three WSL clubs will continue to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
What’s next
The changes aim to create a more competitive environment and foster growth within women’s soccer, ensuring a sustainable future for the league and its players. The expansion is expected to bring new opportunities and challenges for all teams involved.