Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs are set to vote on a significant proposal to eliminate relegation as part of a broader plan to expand the professional game. Under these plans, the WSL and the Championship would gradually increase from 12 to 16 teams by 2030, aiming to provide stability and encourage investment.
If approved, the proposal would take effect from the 2026-27 season, allowing for one additional team to be promoted each year while temporarily halting relegation. The possibility of reinstating relegation in the 2030-31 campaign remains uncertain. Discussions have been ongoing, and clubs have shown interest in refining the details before casting their votes at the end of the season.
One of the most contentious aspects of the plan is how promotion from the Championship will be determined. While clubs seeking promotion must meet minimum standards, there is debate over whether league position and performance should be the deciding factors or if a playoff system should be introduced. Some clubs oppose a licensing model similar to that used in rugby league, preferring a merit-based system.
In another planned change, the Championship is set to be rebranded as WSL2 starting next season, aligning the structure of the women’s game more closely with the men’s leagues. The discussions surrounding these changes are ongoing, with players, fans, and the Football Association expected to be consulted before a final decision is made.
For the proposal to be implemented, a two-thirds majority of WSL and Championship clubs must vote in favor at the meeting scheduled for the end of April. Each division requires at least eight clubs to approve the changes, giving Championship clubs significant influence over the outcome. If passed, the final approval from the FA board is expected to be a formality.
The league’s governing body, which took over from the FA last summer, has made strides in securing financial backing, including a £65 million, five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, as well as a three-year title sponsorship agreement with Barclays worth £45 million. These financial gains have strengthened confidence in an expansion strategy aimed at improving competition in the WSL, which, despite rising attendances, has seen limited competitiveness at the top level.
Recent seasons have been dominated by a small number of clubs, with Chelsea winning five consecutive league titles. In contrast, newly promoted teams have struggled to compete. Bristol City, for example, secured just one win and six points before being relegated after a single season, while Crystal Palace currently faces a similar fate with only one victory in their first 14 matches.
Expanding and professionalizing the top two divisions has been a key objective following recommendations from a 2023 review of the women’s game. Efforts to strengthen the Championship have faced challenges, with Reading dropping to the fifth tier due to financial difficulties. The league has also engaged in discussions with Premier League clubs outside the top two divisions, such as Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Brentford, to assess their commitment to women’s football.
The proposed restructuring is seen as a bold step toward long-term stability and growth, encouraging investment while ensuring a more competitive league. Clubs remain divided on certain aspects, but the leadership has been praised for introducing innovative ideas and fostering discussions on the future of the women’s game.
