WSL: Could relegation be scrapped to expand the league?

Representatives from all 23 clubs across the WSL and Women’s Championship attended a quarterly meeting last Friday.

Among the topics discussed was the suggestion to temporarily scrap relegation in the WSL, but still allow one club a season to earn promotion from the second tier.

The idea is that expanding the league would improve competitiveness, while clubs would be given stability – which in turn would encourage long-term investment.

A two-thirds majority vote, to be taken by all clubs in both tiers, will be needed in May for the change to be made.

The proposals are still being refined but one, according to the Guardian,, external would lead to relegation being scrapped for four seasons, from the 2026-27 campaign, as part of a gradual plan to expand both the top flight and Championship to 16 teams.

Sources have told BBC Sport that several clubs in the bottom half of the WSL are in support of the idea, as they believe it would give them a better chance to compete in the future.

In recent seasons, the promoted Championship club has needed to immediately spend at least £2m just to provide the necessary infrastructure, staffing requirements and player wages to meet the WSL’s ‘participation agreement’.

Crystal Palace are currently four points adrift at the bottom of the WSL table, meaning the club promoted from the Championship could be relegated at the first time of asking for a second year in a row – after Bristol City last season.

Meanwhile, sources at clubs higher up in the table – that are yet to break into the top four – believe that if their future in the WSL was secure, it could encourage owners to invest more in elite facilities and girls’ academies.

Clubs could potentially offer more long-term player contracts and salaries as a result of that stability.

However, those opposed to the idea feel it is against the fundamental values of English football, and there could be a risk that clubs neglect their women’s teams because there is no jeopardy of relegation.

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said he wants to “keep it simple”.

“Promotion and relegation are always going to be what supporters and teams play for. I think that really is going to be difficult to move away from,” he added.