Women’s Super League 1 (WSL1) and Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) clubs have voted to expand the top-flight for the 2026-27 season from 12 to 14 teams, as well as introduce a play-off system for relegation and promotion.
The vote by the 24 member clubs of WSL1 and WSL2 took place on Monday.
For next season, 2025-26, there will be no automatic relegation spot from WSL1. Instead, the WSL2 winners and runners-up will be automatically promoted to WSL1. The 12th-placed team in WSL1 will then face the third-placed team in WSL2 in a play-off to decide the final spot in WSL1 for the 2026-27 season.
From the 2026-27 season onwards, the single automatic relegation spot will be reinstated to WSL1, with the winners of WSL2 automatically promoted. A play-off will take place between the 13th-placed WSL1 side and the runners-up of WSL2 for the final WSL1 spot. The men’s top flights in Germany and France operate similar relegation play-offs.
“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,” said Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL…
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