The Women's Super League is set to increase from 12 to 14 teams starting from the 2026-27 season, following a vote on a new proposal by clubs at a shareholders' meeting.

WSL Football, the organization that took over control of the top two tiers from the Football Association in August 2024, presented the proposal at the meeting on Monday.

The FA will need to formally approve the changes, which are expected to be finalized before 31 July after receiving overwhelming support from the clubs.

Currently, only the winner of WSL 2 earns automatic promotion, while the bottom team in the WSL faces relegation, resulting in one team moving up and one team moving down.

Key Changes for the 2026-27 Season:

• WSL 2 champion - automatic promotion
• WSL 2 runners-up - automatic promotion
• WSL 2 third-place - play-off match
• WSL bottom club - play-off match

Starting from the 2026-27 season, the Women's Super League will feature one automatic promotion spot for the WSL 2 winner, with the bottom team in the WSL facing relegation.

Additionally, there will be a play-off between the second-to-last team in the WSL and the runners-up in WSL 2.

The FA will determine the promotion and relegation process for the lower tiers, with the winners of the National League Premier Division North and South expected to gain automatic promotion to WSL 2 next season.

Teams finishing as runners-up in these third-tier divisions will compete in a play-off match for the final promotion place in the second tier.

Starting from the 2026-27 season, two teams will be relegated from WSL 2, with two automatic promotions from the third tiers.

All clubs must meet the licensing requirements to participate in both WSL 2 and the Women's Super League.