The Football Association (FA) board has officially approved a landmark expansion and restructure of the Women's Super League (WSL), confirming plans to increase the number of teams from 12 to 14 beginning with the 2026–27 season. A transitional system will be implemented in the 2025–26 season, introducing a promotion/relegation playoff that adds a new competitive dynamic to England's top women's league.

Official FA Approval of WSL Expansion and Playoff System

Following extensive consultations with clubs and stakeholders, the FA board ratified the proposed league restructure, which includes:

2025–26 Transitional Season:

• The third-placed Women's Championship (WSL2) team will contest a playoff against the WSL's 12th-placed club to determine top-flight status for the next season.
• The top two WSL2 teams will earn automatic promotion.

2026–27 Season and Beyond:

• Expansion to a 14-team WSL, reflecting the growth of women's football and increasing competitive opportunities.

FA Women's Football Director commented:

"This restructure strengthens the promotion and relegation pathway, increases competitiveness, and supports the sustainable growth of the women's game in England."

Impact and Significance of the New System

• Competitive Integrity: The playoff ensures the bottom WSL team must defend their place, encouraging higher standards.
• Opportunities for Growth: More clubs will experience top-flight football, fostering talent development across the pyramid.
• Fan Engagement: The playoff fixture adds excitement and tension at the season's climax.

The playoff's format and scheduling will be confirmed ahead of the 2025–26 season, with details expected to balance fairness and competitive integrity.

FA 董事会正式批准女子超级联赛重组计划

英格兰足球总会（FA）董事会正式通过女子超级联赛（WSL）扩军及升降级附加赛方案，确认2026/27赛季起联赛球队由12支增至14支。

过渡赛季安排（2025/26赛季）

• 女子锦标赛（WSL2）排名第三的球队将与WSL排名第12的球队进行附加赛，决定顶级联赛席位。
• 女子锦标赛前两名球队直接晋级WSL。

计划意义

• 保证降级队伍需通过附加赛争夺，提升竞技水平。
• 更多俱乐部有机会参加顶级联赛，促进整体发展。
• 附加赛为球迷带来更多悬念和观赛体验。

FA女足主管表示："此次改革将进一步激发联赛竞争力，推动英格兰女子足球持续健康发展。"

社交媒体粉丝评论摘录

1. "FA终于正式了，女子足球未来更明朗！"
2. "附加赛能激发更多球队拼劲，期待精彩对决。"
3. "扩军让更多城市和球迷参与顶级赛事，支持！"
4. "希望俱乐部准备充分，能提升整个联赛水平。"
5. "这样的改革很必要，女足竞争力才能提升。"

搜索标签 / 关键词

• FA board WSL restructure
• WSL 14 team expansion
• Women's Super League playoff
• WSL promotion relegation 2025
• FA official women's football changes
• WSL transitional season
• Women's Championship promotion playoff
• English women's football governance
• WSL league structure update
• Women's football competitive growth

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