The WSL returns bigger than ever and with a mouthwatering title race
The Women's Super League (WSL) in England is expanding to 14 teams for the upcoming season, featuring a highly competitive title race. Clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have undergone significant squad changes to prepare for the new campaign.
Why it matters
The growth of the WSL reflects the increasing professionalization and commercial interest in women's football globally.
From left: Alexia Putellas, Khadija Shaw, Melvine Malard and Georgia Stanway. Composite: Getty Images From left: Alexia Putellas, Khadija Shaw, Melvine Malard and Georgia Stanway. Composite: Getty Images Moving the Goalposts newsletter Soccer The WSL returns bigger than ever and with a mouthwatering title race At the top end, the title race is wide open from the outset, with Manchester City bidding to retain their crown
Suzanne Wrack Thu 3 Sep 2026 06.27 EDT Last modified on Thu 3 Sep 2026 16.25 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google I t has been a summer of change for women’s football in England, with expansion of the Women’s Super League to 14 teams bringing three new sides into the fold, huge transfers hitting the headlines, changes to the League Cup and a new name on the WSL trophy as we prepare for kick-off on Friday.
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