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The Women's Super League (WSL) is set for a major transformation next season, growing from 12 to 14 teams. But how exactly will this expansion be implemented?

Starting from the 2026/27 season, the WSL will officially expand to include 14 clubs. As part of these changes, a new promotion and relegation play-off system will be introduced, marking a key evolution in the structure of women’s football in England.

This development will, for the first time, allow greater movement between the top two divisions of the women’s game, with as many as three teams capable of securing promotion to the top tier.

Two of the three promotion spots have already been confirmed, while the inaugural play-off—scheduled for this weekend—will decide the final team entering next season’s WSL. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works.

With the league expanding, this campaign presents a huge opportunity for WSL 2 clubs, as three promotion places are on offer.

At the end of the 2025/26 season, the top two sides in WSL 2 (previously known as the Women’s Championship) earned automatic promotion. Birmingham City claimed the WSL 2 title, while Crystal Palace finished as runners-up.

Leicester City, who ended the WSL season at the bottom of the table, will not face automatic relegation. Instead, they will compete in a decisive play-off against Charlton Athletic, who finished third in WSL 2.

The one-off play-off will be staged at The Valley, Charlton’s home ground, offering the lower-tier side the advantage of familiar surroundings.

The all-important fixture kicks off on Saturday, 23 May at 12:30 BST. The winner of this match will secure the final, 14th spot in next season’s expanded WSL.

From the 2026/27 season onwards, once the league officially expands, the competition structure will move to a new long-term format.

Each season, only the WSL 2 champions will be promoted automatically, while the bottom-placed WSL team will be relegated. However, a play-off will continue to exist: the 13th-placed WSL side will meet the WSL 2 runners-up, with the victor earning the right to play in the top division.

The expansion will also mean more league fixtures. Teams will play 26 matches per season instead of 22, with the campaign starting earlier in September and concluding in late May.

WSL 2 will remain a 12-team, fully professional competition. All clubs will be required to meet strict operational standards—covering facilities, staff, academies, and player welfare. Any club seeking promotion from the third tier must satisfy these criteria to be eligible for entry.

The first-ever WSL promotion play-off will take place on Saturday, 23 May, kicking off at 12:30 BST. Charlton Athletic, as the third-placed team in WSL 2, will host Leicester City, who finished bottom of the WSL, for a place in next season’s top flight.

This landmark match will be the first of its kind in the history of English women’s football and will be broadcast live on BBC Two and Sky Sports.