Expanded 14-Team Women's Super League Kicks Off, Man City Begin Title Defence

The Women's Super League kicks off its 2026-27 season this weekend in its newly expanded 14-team format, with defending champions Manchester City looking to build on a domestic double that ended Chelsea's six-year stranglehold on the title.

The league has grown from 12 to 14 clubs for the first time, with Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic all securing promotion from WSL 2. Under a revamped format, the top three finishers now qualify directly for the Champions League, the bottom club is relegated outright, and the 13th-placed side faces a play-off against the WSL 2 runner-up.

London City Lionesses, who signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas over the summer, open the campaign on Friday, September 4 hosting Manchester United, live on Sky Sports. Manchester City begin their title defence at home to newcomers Birmingham City on Sunday, part of a bumper five-match slate that also sees last season's runners-up Arsenal travel to Brighton, Tottenham host West Ham in a London derby, and both promoted sides Charlton and Crystal Palace welcome Liverpool and Everton respectively. Eight-time champions Chelsea host Aston Villa on Saturday as they look to reclaim top spot after being dethroned last season.

Notably, Manchester City will not compete in the League Cup this season for the first time since 2014, owing to format changes and their Champions League commitments, as the club balances a heavier fixture list in pursuit of a domestic and European double.