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What challenges does expansion face?published at 12:24 BST
Charlton Athletic v Leicester City (12:30 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesAn expanded WSL means clubs play 26 matches, not 22, from the 2026-27 season. But space in the calendar is already limited.
Schedule constraints include Fifa’s Women’s Club World Cup, a competition that will run every four years starting from 2028, the Women’s Champions Cup introduced from 2026 and the expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams from 2031.
In addition, Women’s Champions League semi-finals take place on weekends – unlike in the men’s game – and WSL matches are not played on the same weekend as the Women’s FA Cup.
There are also guidelines around player welfare including a six-week break after a major tournament, a two-week winter break, a maximum of two midweek games in a row and no midweek games directly following an international break. This all reduces the available dates to play the additional games.
Plus WSL clubs must navigate fixture clashes with their male team counterparts in shared stadiums.
Discussions take place between governing bodies – Uefa, Fifa, the Premier League and the FA – but they often each have their own priorities. Meanwhile, preferred kick-off times and broadcasting requests can cause discord among clubs.
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