I’m excited by this move in Women’s Super League In a unanimous vote by WSL clubs, the top flight will increase from 12 to 14 teams starting in the 2026–27 season, pending final approval from the Football Association board theguardian.com. I believe this change will deepen competition and give more clubs a chance to shine on the biggest stage.
New Promotion and Relegation Playoff Format
In the transitional 2025–26 season, the two best teams from WSL 2 will earn automatic promotion, expanding the top tier ahead of the new setup . Meanwhile, the team finishing 12th in the WSL will face the third‑placed side from WSL 2 in a one‑off playoff for the 14th slot. I see this as a smart way to balance opportunity with merit.
From the 2026–27 season onward, the bottom‑placed team (14th) will drop automatically to WSL 2, and its champion will move up. The team finishing 13th in the WSL will then battle the WSL 2 runners‑up in a high‑stakes playoff match. I think this format will keep seasons suspenseful all the way to the last matchday espn.com.
Insights from WSL Football Leadership
WSL Football CEO Nikki Doucet explained that the playoff system will “create distinction for the women’s game and introduce a high‑profile, high‑stakes match” that should drive more fan and investor interest liverpoolfc.com. In my view, spotlighting a single dramatic fixture each year will help raise the league’s profile and attract broadcast partners.
Doucet also stressed that expanding to 14 teams strikes the right balance between growth and maintaining quality, given the packed international calendar and limited matchdays. I agree—adding too many clubs too quickly could dilute standards and overwhelm players.
Financial Growth Fuels Expansion
The WSL’s rapid growth off the field has underpinned this decision. In the 2023–24 season, league revenues jumped 34% to £65 million, up from £48 million the year before deloitte.com. Matchday takings soared by 73% to £12 million, driven by a 31% rise in average attendance, while commercial income grew by 53%, now making up 40% of total revenue reuters.com. Broadcast receipts also climbed 40% to £10 million as deals with Sky Sports, BBC and YouTube broadened the league’s reach.
Deloitte projects that WSL clubs’ combined revenue will top £100 million in 2025–26 after the UEFA Women’s EUROs deloitte.com. I think surpassing that milestone will cement the WSL as a key property in the global sports market and encourage further investment in facilities and youth development.
What This Means for Clubs and Fans
Clubs in WSL 2 now have an even clearer pathway to the top flight. I’m particularly keen to see independent sides like London City Lionesses use this chance to establish themselves among England’s elite. At the same time, existing WSL clubs must guard against complacency, knowing that poor performance could end their stay in the top tier.
For fans, more teams and a playoff thriller will mean more matches to enjoy and more cities represented on the WSL map. Personally, I can’t wait to see which new rivals emerge and how attendances hold up when fresh faces join the league.
As the FA board reviews the proposal, I’ll be watching closely. If approved, the 2026–27 WSL season promises to be the most competitive and commercially vibrant chapter yet in English women’s football.
