By[Alex Livie](https://www.tntsports.co.uk/alex-livie_aut20000254/author.shtml)
Published 16/06/2025 at 18:23 GMT+1
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The Women’s Super League is to be expanded from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026/27 season.
Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign, the top two teams in the second division of the women’s game will gain promotion to the top flight.
There will still be jeopardy of relegation from the WSL, as the team who finishes bottom next term will face a play-off against the third-placed side in WSL2 for the right to compete in the elite division.
From the 2026/27 season, the 14th team in the WSL will be relegated - with the top side in WSL2 gaining automatic promotion. The team who finish 13th in the WSL will face the second-placed side in WSL2 in a play-off.
Expanding on the thinking behind the changes, Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, said the aim was to raise standards throughout the women’s game.
"Over the past few months, WSL Football has led a thorough and robust consultative process backed by research and analysis which explored multiple options that could drive the game forward and help it reach its potential," Doucet said.
"Our priority was to find a route that would benefit the whole women’s game pyramid, and we believe this next evolution of women’s professional football will raise minimum standards, create distinction and incentivise investment across the board.
"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 play-off creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high-stakes match."
The changes will see teams in the top flight play an expanded schedule of 26 games, up from the current 22.
Chelsea are the current WSL champions, and have won the title six seasons in a row.
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