The Women's Super League (WSL) is set to kick off its 2026-27 season with an expanded 14-team format, welcoming three promoted clubs for the first time in its history. Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic have made the leap from WSL 2.
Birmingham City returns to the WSL after a four-season absence, having won Women's Super League 2 last season. They secured the title on goal difference, with striker Lily Crosthwaite named WSL 2 player of the year. Head coach Amy Merricks has brought in experienced centre-back Millie Turner, who has two England caps and 145 WSL appearances, as the new Blues captain.
Crystal Palace is back in the top flight after just one season in the second tier. Attackers Kirsty Howat and Abbie Larkin were among WSL 2's top scorers, each netting eight league goals. Former Lioness Bethany England, one of the WSL's all-time leading scorers, has also joined the team.
Charlton Athletic, whose last top-flight appearance was 18 years ago, secured their WSL spot via a play-off victory against Leicester City. Despite being the lowest scorers in the WSL 2 top six last season, they boasted the best defensive record. Spanish playmaker Paula Partido has arrived on loan from London City Lionesses.
Opta's supercomputer projections place Birmingham City in ninth, Crystal Palace in 11th, and Charlton in 12th, suggesting a tight battle among the lower-ranked teams to avoid the single relegation spot.