English Women's Super League expands to 14 teams and introduces promotion-relegation play-offs

In a significant development for women's football in England, the English Women's Super League (WSL) has been approved to expand from 12 to 14 teams for the 2026/27 season. This restructuring marks the most substantial change to the top two tiers of women's football since 2010. The decision, made by club votes, still awaits the final endorsement from the English Football Association but is anticipated to be passed, signifying a major shift in the competitive landscape of women’s football. The changes include the introduction of a new promotion and relegation system, designed to enhance competitiveness among clubs. Currently, the WSL operates with one team being relegated and one team promoted each season. Starting next season, automatic promotions will be offered to the top two clubs from the second-tier WSL2, with an additional play-off match for the third-place team in WSL2 against the bottom team in the WSL. This system will allow for more drastic movements between leagues, further intensifying competition and potentially increasing interest in women’s football. The restructured format is part of a broader 10-year plan aimed at elevating standards across English women’s football, focusing on improved facilities, staff, and youth academies. Financial growth in the WSL has also been noteworthy, with Deloitte reporting a 34 percent revenue increase to £65 million (approximately $88 million) for the 2023/24 season. Projections indicate revenues could reach £100 million in the upcoming season, reflecting the growing interest and investment in women's football. Nonetheless, despite financial growth, average attendance at matches saw a decline of 10 percent last season, settling at 6,642. This waning enthusiasm can be attributed to the post-Euro 2022 period, where interest peaked but subsequently diminished. The expansion and redesign of the league are viewed as essential for promoting a higher profile for women’s football, as articulated by Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited. Doucet indicated that these changes would create notable high-stakes matches, which could intrigue wider audiences and lead to a more substantial, engaged fanbase. The forthcoming promotion-relegation play-offs are set to become a notable feature, giving teams higher stakes and enhancing the overall thrill of the competition. The expected changes, pending approval, reflect a critical step in shaping the future of women's football in England, creating pathways for growth and revitalization in a sport that continues to gain momentum.