WSL to expand from 12 to 14 clubs with relegation to remain in place for women’s top tier

THE Women’s Super League is set to increase from 12 teams to 14 by the end of the 2026-2027 season. 

Two second tier sides will also be eligible for promotion to the top flight from the end of next term, following a vote involving clubs.

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Women’s Super League is set to expand from 12 to 14 sides by 2027[/caption]

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By the end of the 2026-2027 season the WSL 2’s top two teams will earn automatic promotion to the Women’s Super League[/caption]

And changes will be subject to agreement from the FA’s board.

New proposals for the expansion of the WSL were voted for on Monday with all clubs backing the move to expand the growth of the division. 

While there were fears relegation could be halted, this stipulation will be maintained as part of women’s top-flight football competition. 

And the second tier, which was this year rebranded as Women’s Super League Two (WSL 2) will also retain the same number of teams which is currently 12.

However at the end of next season the top two sides from the women’s second tier will be automatically promoted into the WSL.

And the team finishing bottom in the women’s top division will face a play-off battle against the WSL 2’s third-placed side with a top-flight spot at stake.  

Clubs competing in WSL 2 are also expected to function as professional outfits following a push to improve minimum standards across the division.  

Since the 2019-20 campaign the WSL has featured 12 teams after increasing in size from an 11-team division. 

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Women’s Champions League places will continue to be claimed by sides that finish in the WSL’s top three positions[/caption]

In its present set-up only one side ends the season getting relegated from the league, with the team that finishes 12th dropping down a division. 

Once the WSL has expanded to 14 teams, the side that finishes bottom in 2027-28 will be automatically relegated with WSL 2 champions earning promotion. 

Clubs that finish in the top-flight’s top three positions will continue to earn places in Champions League competition.