WSL Football agree plans for WSL league expansion in 2026/2027 | OneFootball

WSL Football shareholders have agreed plans to expand the Barclays Women’s Super League to 14 clubs from the 2026/2027 season.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from WSL Football this afternoon.

It has been revealed that plans have been drafted to increase the top tier of the English game to 14 clubs from 2026/2027. To achieve that goal, two clubs would be automatically promoted from Barclays WSL2 next season while the third-placed side would contest a play-off against the bottom team in the Barclays Women’s Super League to determine the final promotion place.

It has been confirmed that Barclays WSL2 will continue to operate as a 12-team league for now and that additional promotion opportunities will be available for FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division and Southern Premier Division clubs next season to fill any gaps in the second tier as a result of the Barclays Women’s Super League’s expansion.

Once the Barclays Women’s Super League restructure has taken place, the bottom club will be relegated each season while the 13th-placed side will contest a play-off with the Barclays WSL2 runners-up with a second promotion place being up for grabs.

Speaking following this afternoon’s announcement, Nikki Doucet, CEO, WSL Football said “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 play-off creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high stakes match.”

Further details will be provided once the plans have obtained approval from The FA Board.