WSL Expansion Explained: What It Means for the Second Division?

Autor: Rachel Roberts

The WSL and WSL2 (previously the Championship) are currently both comprised of 12 clubs each but from 2026/2027, the WSL will expand to feature 14 teams. Such expansion means two WSL2 sides will gain promotion to the topflight at the end of the season, with the third-place finisher also with a chance to fight for promotion.

The top two WSL2 finishers will secure automatic promotion to the WSL whilst third place will battle it out with the WSL’s bottom side to see whether three sides can all secure promotion. At the end of the 2026/27 season, the second place WSL2 side will face a play-off with the 13th-place WSL side, seeing just one WSL2 side automatically promoted. 

Who are the favourites?

Charlton Athletic currently sit top of the second tier with 37 points and a game in hand as they remain unbeaten this season after 15 games. 

Birmingham City sit slightly behind on 29 points and have two games in hand to continue their promotion progress. Just below the top two are Bristol City and Newcastle, each with 26 points and the Geordies have a game in hand.

 Meanwhile, last year’s relegated WSL side, Crystal Palace sit on 25 points also with a game in hand. Charlton have never participated in the WSL but were previously in the topflight of football in the early 00’s. 

Similarly, Newcastle United have also never been in the WSL. Meanwhile, Birmingham are very familiar with the WSL, having participated in the league from 2011-2021. Similarly, Bristol City have competed in 11 WSL seasons, the most recent being 2023-24. 

The WSL was last expanded in 2019-20, growing from 11 to 12 clubs and the upcoming further expansion allows more top sides and players to perform in a highly competitive league, against top opposition. 

The WSL2 became a fully professional league this season and various clubs have experience with performing on the biggest stages, with Nottingham Forest Women playing all their home games at the City Ground. 

Similarly, when provided with opportunities for more fans to attend, various clubs have demonstrated that there is strong interest in the league. 

Relegation Battle: Who Is in Danger?

During the 2024/25 Championship season, 38,502 fans attended St. James’ Park for the Tyne-Wear Derby securing the highest attendance in tier 2, highlighting that fans will engage and show up if a women’s side is invested in. 

Currently sat in the danger zone and at risk of relegation from the WSL are Leicester, Liverpool and West Ham. Bottom of the pack Leicester have achieved just nine points over fifteen games; Liverpool have achieved 10 points in 16 and West Ham have 11 points after 16 games. 

To escape the relegation zone, Leicester had a busy winter transfer window, securing various experienced players including Rachel Williams, Ashleigh Neville and Alisha Lehmann. 

However, after a 6-0 loss to Manchester City recently, the Foxes have a lot of work to do. Such upcoming expansion plans in the WSL mean the WSL2 is more competitive than ever and several clubs will be focused on fighting for promotion before the league concludes on May 3rd 2026.