The FA Board has approved proposals made by WSL Football to increase the size of the Barclays Women’s Super League (BWSL) to 14 clubs. These approvals were made pursuant to The FA’s rights under its special share in the leagues and also FA Rules.
The top two teams from Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2) will be automatically promoted at the end of season 2025-26, with a relegation play-off between the bottom BWSL club and third place BWSL2 club to determine the final BWSL spot.
From 2026-27 one club will be automatically relegated from the BWSL and promoted from BWSL2, with a relegation play-off between the 13th placed team in the BWSL and the second placed team in BWSL2 determining the final spot.
There will be consequential changes to promotion throughout the remainder of the Women’s Football Pyramid for the 2025-26 season, which will be decided in due course.
The growth of the BWSL and the BWSL2 reflects the ongoing evolution of the women’s professional game in England which we consider will be of benefit to all clubs.
