Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic join the expanded WSL
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 10:21 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
The Women's Super League officially expands to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season with the arrival of newly promoted clubs Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic. Birmingham City enters the top flight as WSL 2 champions, while Crystal Palace returns following a one-year absence. Charlton Athletic secured its place by defeating Leicester City in the promotion play-off on penalties. The league campaign begins on Friday with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United, while the three newcomers are scheduled to open their respective seasons on Sunday. While historical data indicates that promoted clubs often retain their top-flight status, Opta projections place the trio near the bottom of the table. All three teams have bolstered their rosters during the summer transfer window to prepare for the increased competition in the expanded format.
- •Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic are the new WSL participants.
- •The 2026-27 WSL season expands from 12 to 14 teams.
- •Charlton Athletic secured promotion by winning a penalty shootout against Leicester City.
- •The season starts Friday with London City Lionesses playing Manchester United.
- •The three promoted sides begin their league campaigns this Sunday.
- 10:21 AMYahoo Sports — 'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?
- 10:19 AMBBC Sport — 'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?
"BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at the three new additions to the Women's Super League for the first season of its expanded 14-team format
"BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at the three new additions to the Women's Super League for the first season of its expanded 14-team format
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 10:21 AM'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at the three new additions to the Women's Super League for the first season of its expanded 14-team format
- BBC SportSep 2, 2026, 10:19 AM'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at the three new additions to the Women's Super League for the first season of its expanded 14-team format
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