WSL to keep relegation after lengthy talks over the matter by all the major stakeholders involved in the league.
WSL to keep relegation after talks over controversial pause.
Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the organisation that oversees the top two women’s divisions in England, had talked about delaying relegation for four years in order to expand both leagues starting in 2026. This season, teams and other stakeholders have been briefed on a variety of ideas, including that one.
As far as we know, no decision has been made about the format changes starting in 2026. According to reports, the league is considering a number of novel changes that would drastically alter the top of the women’s pyramid in comparison to the English men’s structure.
WPLL’s chief executive Nikki Doucet said, while not denying that a relegation pause was being explored: “We believe promotion and relegation is a great thing. It adds jeopardy and excitement.”
SFA’s head of women’s football, Deborah Dilworth, said: “We thank those fans who took the time to provide us with their feedback on these vital issues, and will ensure that the fans’ voice is heard by the game’s decision makers as the consultation process continues. While it’s clear that supporters are in favour of an expanded top two tiers, they’ve been equally clear that it can’t come at the expense of competitive football and the principles of earning your spot at the top of the pyramid.”
This summer, Crystal Palace and the London City Lionesses will be the two teams that have been demoted to the Championship and promoted, respectively. Following Reading’s financial decision to leave the second division last summer, Sheffield United will be the only team relegated this season. Normally, two teams are demoted to the bottom of the Championship. There are 12 teams in each of the two top divisions after Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest rise from the third level.