WSL clubs to vote on proposed removal of relegation

Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has proposed the removal of relegation from the top flight to enhance league competitiveness.

As per emerging reports from the Guardian, the league's governing body may at least temporarily scrap relegation from the Women's Super League (WSL) as early as the 2026/27 season. The decision will partner with a gradual expansion of the competition to 16 teams in the next few years.

The proposition is said to have been put forward in an attempt to "increase the profile, sustainability and profitability of women's football."

Promotion from the Women's Championship will continue, with an additional spot available each season. Eliminating relegation and promoting two Championship teams per season will support the WPLL's plans to expand the number of clubs in the WSL.

The teams will have the final say on the matter at an end-of-season meeting, but sources have confirmed that the WPLL will also be contacting other key stakeholders such as players, fans and the Football Association.

In addition to threatening competitive sport's very principles, fans have raised concerns into the potential loss of relegation over the possibility that immunity to relegation will clubs at the bottom of the table to be complacement with investment into women's football. If relegation is taken away and doesn't return once expansion is complete, the WSL could ultimately become a closed league.

The WPLL have declined to make comment at this stage but discussions between the body and the clubs are said to be ongoing.