Scrap relegation to expand WSL? Radical proposals considered

Could the Women’s Super League’s relegation be eliminated, and could the top tier and Women’s Championship expand as well?

The company that controls the top two leagues of women’s football proposes a radical change of the pyramid, so the answer is yes with nothing on the table.

Last Friday, representatives from all 23 WSL and Women’s Championship clubs held a quarterly meeting.

The suggestion to temporarily relegate from the WSL while still allowing one club to earn promotion from the second tier was one of the topics discussed.

The idea is that expanding the league would increase competition while providing stability to clubs, which would in turn encourage long-term investment.

For the change to be implemented, all clubs in both tiers will require a two-thirds majority vote in May.

One of the proposals, according to the Guardian, would result in the 2026-27 campaign’s four seasons of relegation being scrapped as part of a gradual effort to expand both the top flight and Championship to 16 teams.

Numerous clubs in the bottom half of the WSL are in favor of the idea, according to sources who have spoken to BBC Sport, because they think it will improve their chances of competing in the future.

In recent seasons, the promoted Championship club has to spend at least £2 million just to set up the infrastructure, staffing requirements, and player salaries necessary to adhere to the WSL’s “participation agreement.”

Crystal Palace, which was promoted from the Championship for the first time in a row, may now be relegated at the bottom of the WSL table, which was Bristol City’s case last year.

Meanwhile, sources at clubs that are yet to reach the top four believe that if their position in the WSL was secure, owners might be more willing to invest in prestigious facilities and girls’ academies.

Due to this stability, clubs may be able to offer more long-term player contracts and salaries.

There is a danger of losing sight of the women’s teams because there is no risk of relegation, but those opposed to the idea have the impression that it violates the fundamental principles of English football.

Gareth Taylor, manager of Manchester City, stated that he wants to “keep it simple.”

Rehanne Skinner, manager of West Ham, claims that the existence of promotion and relegation serves as a “incentive.”

However, she claims that clubs must weigh up the “pros and cons” before passing any resolution. There are “lots of different factors.”

The WPLL (Women’s Professional League Limited) and its shareholders can move on to the next stage, which would be to confirm details about the restructure’s operation and a timeline, once the majority threshold has been reached.

Other suggestions could include a closed league, where promotion would not occur, although this seems less likely, in addition to reversing relegation.

Play-offs might be introduced during the Championship.

And they would also decide whether to reinstate relegation after it had been temporarily removed.

According to Skinner, “There is a potential growth stage we are going through where we would need to ensure that all clubs are investing to be competitive.”

Given the number of teams currently playing in the league, I don’t believe that would be appropriate. There must be more of a league.

That investment and maintenance would have to be required, because that would “to be in it for its sake” would be contrary to the league’s reputation.

It’s not a bad thing in my opinion. Although the game is evolving, criteria must be applied for what will come next.

According to sources, the proposal could have a minimum investment requirement, and there are also options for raising minimum wages.

What clubs are still in the WSL? would be up for debate.

What other possibilities exist for introduction?

There have been questions about whether Scottish clubs Rangers and Celtic could join England’s top league, just like there have been in the men’s game. However, it’s unlikely that this will happen anytime soon.

The introduction of a financial fair play regulation may be a solution following Chelsea’s spending in the January transfer window, when they broke the world record by signing USA defender Naomi Girma for £900,000 and making a big-money move for England international Keira Walsh from Barcelona.

Women’s Championship teams Bristol City, Southampton, Birmingham, and Newcastle all agreed to participate in a trial that would allow fans to consume alcohol in the stands in January. If successful, that might become widespread in England.

The WPLL might also consider partnering with the US National Women’s Soccer League and suggesting a draft system or imposing salary caps.

Clubs can currently spend up to 40% of their revenue on player salaries under the WSL’s “soft” salary cap.