🎯 TL: DR; WSL to expand to 14 teams from 2026/27 season
- WSL to expand to 14 teams from 2026/26
- Promotion/Relegation will be upped to two teams: Two clubs will be promoted into the WSL and two will be relegated
- Playoffs to be introduced from 2026/27
WSL to expand to 14 teams from 2026/27 season in major mark of just how the league is continuing to grow. With more money coming in, WSL profits growing, and attendance and viewership growing, the WSL keeps taking steps forward – make sure you get yourself to a game next season to continue supporting the growth of the game.
⚙️Main Sections & Key Points
- WSL Expansion (2026–27)
- The top flight will grow from 12 to 14 teams.
- Two promotion spots: the top two from Championship go up; 3rd place faces a play‑off with 12th‑placed WSL club.
- From then on: 13th plays a relegation play‑off; 14th team drops straight down.
- FA & Club Approval Needed
- The plan was passed by clubs on Monday, now awaiting FA sign‑off.
- Rationale & Financial Upside
- Aims to raise standard, create a clearer structure, and incentivise investment across women’s football.
- Deloitte forecasts WSL revenues reaching ÂŁ100m in 2026, fuelled by fan strategies, commercial deals, and central funding.
- Business Perspective
- Jennifer Haskel from Deloitte links growth to viewing women’s teams as distinct brands, driving tailored initiatives.
- Recent investment: Alexis Ohanian (Reddit co-founder) bought 10% of Chelsea Women for £20m – valuing the club at £200m.
đźšş Spotlight
- More teams = more opportunity
- A larger league gives rising clubs like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Southampton a real shot at top-flight status. It promises wider fan reach and community engagement.
- Promotion and play-offs = drama
- The introduction of a play-off adds late-season excitement and keeps mid-table clubs fighting until the end—raising stakes and interest.
- Raising standards league-wide
- With new revenue targets and commercial growth, even smaller clubs must improve infrastructure, coaching, and fan experience to stay competitive—boosting the entire pyramid.
- Investment spotlight
- High-profile ownership, like Ohanian’s £20m stake, shows increasing confidence in the WSL as a stand-alone brand, not just a sister side to men’s teams.
🎯 What This Means for Fans (and the Game)
- More local stories – Fans of rising clubs can now dream of top‑flight fixtures and high-stakes survival battles.
- Consistent engagement – More teams means more fixtures, local derbies, and chances to watch live action.
- Commercial growth – As more money flows in, expect better broadcast deals, merchandise, and sponsorships specifically for women’s clubs.
- Higher standards – Clubs will need to professionalise further—from playing surfaces to coaching staff and marketing.
🔍 Visual Snapshot
WSL Format: Pre‑ vs Post‑Expansion
| Season | Teams | Promotion Spots | Relegation Spots | Play-off Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | 12 | 1 | 1 | No |
| From 2026–27 | 14 | 2 (+1 via play‑off) | 1 (+1 via play‑off) | Yes |
🧠Final Whistle
This expansion is a statement: the WSL is serious about growth, visibility, and competition. By increasing teams and stakes, the league looks to build a deeper, more engaging competition on every front. For fans—old and new—2026‑27 could mark the beginning of a watershed moment in women’s football.