FA board approves Women's Super League expansion to 14 clubs for 2026/27 season | OneFootball

Two teams will be automatically promoted from Barclays WSL 2 at the end of next season

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From the 2026/27 season, one club will be automatically relegated from the WSL and one promoted to it, with a play-off to be held between the WSL2’s runners-up and second-bottom in the WSL.

Prior to the changes, the bottom side in the WSL were relegated and only the winners of the second-tier were promoted each season.

The proposal to increase the number of WSL teams to 14 was made by WSL Football, the body which oversees the league.

It added: “The growth of the BWSL and the BWSL2 reflects the ongoing evolution of the women’s professional game in England which we consider will be of benefit to all clubs.”