Why Are There 14 Teams in the WSL? The New 2026/27 Format Explained
The Women’s Super League has spent years becoming sharper, richer and more visible. This weekend it becomes something else too: bigger. The 2026/27 campaign is the first with 14 clubs, turning a tidy 12-team competition into a longer season with fresh jeopardy at the bottom. So, why are there 14 teams in the WSL now? Because the league chose expansion as the next stage of its professional growth — and last season supplied the three clubs needed to make it happen.
Why are there 14 teams in the WSL?
WSL Football proposed the move in 2025 and The FA Board approved it that June. The new structure was designed to create more movement between the top two divisions and give ambitious WSL2 clubs a clearer route upward.
| 2025/26 | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| 12 WSL clubs | 14 WSL clubs |
| 22 games per club | 26 games per club |
| Expansion-year play-off | Automatic relegation plus play-off |
Each club now plays 13 opponents home and away, producing 26 league matches rather than 22.
Our priority was to find a route that would benefit the whole women’s game pyramid.” — Nikki Doucet, WSL Football CEO
Which teams were promoted to the WSL for 2026/27?
Birmingham City and Crystal Palace took the two automatic places from WSL2. Charlton Athletic joined them the hard way. The Addicks finished third, then met bottom-placed WSL side Leicester City in the one-off play-off. After a goalless match, Charlton won 2-1 on penalties, with goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse central to the shoot-out victory.
That distinction matters: Charlton were promoted, but not automatically.
How does WSL relegation work now?
Finishing 14th means automatic relegation to WSL2, while the WSL2 champions go straight up. The team finishing 13th still has a route to survival, but the latest 2026/27 schedule adds another layer. Second and third in WSL2 first contest a pre-qualifying match. The winner then faces the 13th-placed WSL club in The Play-Off for a top-flight place.
The WSL2 pre-qualifier is scheduled for 22/23 May 2027, with The Play-Off following on 29/30 May.
What does the new WSL format change for betting?
Four extra matches make squad depth more important and create two distinct danger positions rather than one. At the top, there is another wrinkle: Manchester City enter the campaign as defending champions rather than Chelsea.
Indicative pre-season prices and subject to movement. Check the live market before betting. See the latest WSL odds at DAZN Bet
When does the 2026/27 WSL season start?
The season opens from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September. London City Lionesses against Manchester United starts the weekend on Friday, while champions Manchester City begin at home to promoted Birmingham City.
More teams means four extra league matches for every club, but the more interesting change is psychological: 13th is no longer safe. In a 14-team WSL, the table finally has a proper trapdoor and a second ledge just above it.
