WSL restructure announced from 2026/27 | OneFootball

The Barclays Women’s Super League will expand to 14 teams from the start of 2026/27, subject to FA Board approval, following a vote by clubs at a WSL Football shareholders meeting.

In a statement from the WSL, it was announced that automatic promotion and relegation will continue, as will each team facing each other home and away in a round robin format.

However, a new promotion/relegation play-off will also be introduced as part of the changes.

To expand the WSL to 14 teams for the start of 2026/27, up to three teams will be promoted from the newly rebranded BWSL2.

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The top two in BWSL2 will be automatically promoted to the top flight, with the third-placed team facing 12th in the WSL in a play-off.

From 2026/27, the team who finishes in 14th in the WSL would be automatically relegated and replaced by the BWSL2 champions, with the second-bottom side (13th) in the top tier facing 2nd in BWSL2 to determine which side would either stay or be promoted.

The top three teams will continue to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and BWSL2 will remain as a 12-team league.

All of the above additions remain subject to the approval of The FA Board.

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Nikki Doucet, CEO of 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 playoff creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high stakes match.”