WSL clubs vote for 14-team expansion

Clubs from the Women’s Super League and its second tier have unanimously voted in favour of expanding the top division from 12 to 14 teams.

The proposal, which also includes raising minimum standards to make the second tier fully professional, is set to take effect from the 2026‑27 season.

WSL Football, which has taken over the running of the top two tiers of domestic women’s football in England, requires the changes to be backed by the FA due to its “golden share”.

The vote followed months of discussions involving players, clubs, fans, and other stakeholders, during which over 20 league formats were explored.

For the 2025/26 season, the top two WSL2 clubs will be promoted, and the third-placed team will participate in a playoff against the bottom WSL side to determine the 14th spot. The WSL’s last placed club will be relegated and replaced by the second-tier winners, while the teams finishing second-bottom of the WSL and second in WSL2 will face a playoff. WSL2 will remain a 12‑club division.

The FA has continued to be responsible for the third-tier Women’s National League (WNL) and will decide its format. However, it has been proposed that from 2026‑27, the National League North and National League South winners be promoted, and two WSL2 clubs drop down, in line with current guidelines.

Next season, to reach the required numbers in the top two divisions, the two WNL winners are due to be promoted, but only one WSL2 club would be relegated, with a playoff planned between the WNL’s runners‑up for a third promotion spot. Any team promoted from the WNL must meet the minimum WSL2 standards to gain entry, or a relegated team would be given a reprieve.

It has been understood that the decision not to expand the WSL beyond 14 teams for now is due to data suggesting it would dilute quality and create a congested calendar, leaving too few available matchdays.

Nikki Doucet, chief executive of WSL Football, said, “We believe this next evolution of women’s professional football will raise minimum standards, create distinction and incentivise investment across the board.

“The introduction of a promotion/relegation playoff creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high‑stakes match.”

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