WSL and WSL2 clubs vote in favour of WSL expansion

The Women’s Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season, subject to Football Association approval. The Guardian reports that clubs from the top division and WSL2 voted unanimously in favour of the proposal to expand the league at a board meeting today.

As well as this, minimum standards are set to be raised for WSL2, making the second tier fully professional. The proposals still need to be green lighted by the FA, who retain a ‘golden share’ vote on any proposals that alter the league significantly. Under the proposals, next season the top 2 from WSL2 would be automatically promoted while the team that finishes 3rd in the second tier would contest a playoff with the team that finishes bottom of the WSL for the other spot.

There have been months of speculation over proposed changes to the league structure since WSL Football took over the administration of the WSL and now rebranded WSL2 at the beginning of last season. Reports emerged earlier this year that a proposal to halt relegation from the top flight for a few seasons was tabled at a league meeting, which led to widespread criticism from fans and commentators.

Under the proposals, once the WSL is expanded in 2026-27 (the WSL2 will remain a 12-team league), the bottom club in the WSL will be relegated, the winners of WSL2 will be promoted and then the team that finishes 13th in the WSL and 2nd in WSL2 will contest a playoff for the remaining spot in the league.

Nikki Doucet, the CEO 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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