If you’re new to the Barclays Women’s Super League, you might be wondering: “Does a team get relegated every season?” The short answer is yes — but the format is changing soon.
How WSL Relegation Works Right Now
At the moment, the WSL has 12 teams. When the season ends:
- The club finishing bottom (12th) is relegated to the Women’s Championship.
- The Championship winners are promoted to replace them in the WSL.
It’s as simple as that — no playoffs, no second chances.
🏆 Check the current WSL table to see who’s in danger right now.
Big Changes Coming in 2026–27
From the 2026–27 season, the league will expand to 14 teams, and relegation will get a little more dramatic:
- 14th place → automatically relegated.
- 13th place → enters a playoff against a Women’s Championship side (likely the runners-up).
- The playoff is expected to be a tense two-legged tie (home and away) to decide who earns the WSL spot.
WSL Relegation Rules — Now vs Future
| Season | Teams | Automatic Relegation | Playoff Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 to 2025–26 | 12 | 12th place | None |
| From 2026–27 onwards | 14 | 14th place | 13th place vs Championship runner-up |
Who’s Gone Down Recently?
Some big names have fallen through the trapdoor in recent years:
- 2023–24: Bristol City Women
- 2021–22: Birmingham City Women
- 2019–20: Liverpool Women (points-per-game after the Covid-19 shutdown)
The Relegation Debate
In early 2025, there was talk of temporarily scrapping relegation to help with expansion. Fans and clubs pushed back, arguing that relegation keeps the league competitive and exciting. The FA listened — and the drop stays.
Why It Matters
- Keeps the fight alive at both ends of the table.
- Encourages clubs to keep raising standards on and off the pitch.
- Gives Championship sides a genuine shot at the big time.
Final Whistle
For now, one team goes down each year — but from 2026–27, two clubs could be in danger. Whether you’re watching the top or the bottom of the table, the WSL is never short of drama.