London: Reports suggesting a temporary pause on relegation from England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) have ignited a mix of optimism and skepticism among players, coaches, and agents. As clubs and governing bodies navigate the league’s rapid growth, discussions are underway about expanding the top flight from 12 to 16 teams, with the Women’s Championship winners earning promotion each season.
British media outlets have described the potential shift as a radical move aimed at strengthening the league’s foundation. However, concerns remain about maintaining competitive balance.
Balancing Growth and Competition
“The best of the best want to play in the WSL, but the problem is that the top three or four clubs have such a huge financial advantage to be able to offer players more money compared to the rest of the league, and that’s something that needs to be improved,” soccer agent Megan Brakes told Reuters.
Brakes, who represents players in both England’s top divisions as well as in European leagues and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, is one of many industry figures weighing in on the proposal.
Budget constraints, squad sizes, player development, and workload management have emerged as key concerns. While expansion could provide more stability for clubs, the fundamental importance of competition remains a focal point.
Martin Ho, a former assistant manager at WSL clubs Everton and Manchester United and the current coach of Brann Bergen in Norway, where he led his side to the Champions League quarter-finals, emphasized this point.
“I think taking relegation out takes the competition out of the league as the majority of fixtures and results don’t have a consequence or meaning, to a certain extent,” he told Reuters.
“You enable clubs who are promoted and who maybe don’t have the squad to compete instantly and to build something sustainable over time. However, it removes the ‘edge-of-your-seat’ feeling, the competitive nature the league possesses due to removing the pressure of winning to stay up when it gets to crunch time at the end of the season,” he added.
Playoff Proposal
One active player, who has played in both divisions and asked to remain anonymous, described the idea of pausing relegation as “a bit mad.” The player, who has also represented her country at the international level, pointed out the “significant gap” in quality between the WSL and many Championship teams.
She suggested a compromise: a playoff between the bottom-placed WSL team and the second-placed team in the Championship to determine promotion and relegation.
While top international players face concerns over fatigue and injury due to packed schedules, players at lower-tier clubs often struggle with too few matches, hampering their development. The financial impact is also a key factor. Reading’s withdrawal from the Women’s Championship this season left just 11 teams competing, meaning fewer league fixtures and reduced revenue from match days and TV rights.
Financial Realities and Future Prospects
Chelsea, with its deep squad and Champions League participation, can afford to maintain a roster full of international stars. However, clubs further down the WSL hierarchy must adopt a different approach, offering consistent playing time rather than financial incentives to attract talent.
Brakes acknowledged that a temporary pause on relegation could help mid-table teams establish themselves more securely.
“If the WSL were to be closed for a few years so that the teams (finishing in places) five to 12 could have time to build on and off the field, I think it would be beneficial and really make it the best league in the world,” she said.
“On the other hand, I already think it is the best in terms of competitiveness—every match is a battle, no matter who you face, which is not the case in some other countries.”
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As Chelsea appears poised for a fifth consecutive WSL title, the Championship promotion race remains fierce, with Birmingham City and London City Lionesses vying for the top spot, likely replacing last season’s winners, Crystal Palace.
None of the individuals Reuters spoke with supported eliminating relegation from English women’s football permanently.
“Closing it completely would destroy the league, and the one below it, I think—if you do that, you take away the essence of the game,” Brakes added.
