The Women’s Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams in the 2026/27 season and onwards, with two sides set to be promoted from the WSL2 in the upcoming campaign.

Plans to expand the top division were approved by clubs at a shareholders meeting on Monday (June 16), following months of speculation over changes to the WSL’s format. 

Strong backlash from supporters against the notion of scrapping relegation has seen fears quashed by the introduction of a relegation/promotion play-off at the end of next season. The WSL’s bottom side will play third place in the WSL2 for a place in the top flight.

In 26/27, the WSL2 champions will be promoted and bottom in the WSL relegated, with a play-off remaining between the WSL2’s runners-up and second-bottom in the WSL. Two up, two down will reportedly ensure from then on.

The Football Association (FA) must formally sign off the changes to allow them to be implemented by the end of July, following the clubs’ votes.