The way promotion and relegation work in the Women’s Super League changed heading into the 2025/26 season.
After clubs voted to expand the WSL from 12 to 14 teams, the FA approved long-speculated changes to the top two tiers of women’s football in England.
These changes included the introduction of a playoff. Although it will remain a league of 12 teams for now, the changes saw the WSL 2 become fully professional for the first time.
How will WSL promotion and relegation work in 2025/26?
Previously, the team that finished 12th in the WSL would be automatically relegated. The team that finished first in the WSL 2 would be promoted.
At the conclusion of the current season, the teams that finish first and second in the WSL 2 will be promoted to the WSL. Additionally, a playoff will take place between the team that finishes 12th in the WSL and the team that finishes third in the WSL 2.
This results in the expansion of the topflight from 12 to 14 teams.
How will WSL promotion and relegation in the future?
Following the 2025/26 season, the winners of the WSL 2 will secure promotion to the topflight.
The winners of both the FA Women’s National League North and South will earn a spot in the WSL 2.
The bottom-placed (14th) WSL team will be relegated to the WSL 2. Their 13th-placed peers will fight against the second tier’s runners-up in a playoff — only the winner of this fixture will compete in the top tier the following season.
The bottom two teams in WSL 2 will automatically be relegated to the third tier.
What do the structural changes to the WSL mean?
The move does more than raise the stakes in both leagues. Once the WSL has fully expanded, Sky Sports could broadcast up to 50 more games a season.
The WSL said upon the announcement of their decision: “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.
“Expanding the WSL to 14 teams will stimulate movement between leagues and through the pyramid which increases opportunities. The introduction of a promotion/relegation playoff creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high stakes match.”
Ultimately, as the women’s game continues to grow, these changes hope to raise the bar. It’s time to provide better opportunities for women’s football in England.
