The new Women's Super League (WSL) season kicks off on Friday with a huge game between London City Lionesses and Manchester United, before Chelsea host Aston Villa on Saturday and new champions Manchester City face Birmingham City the following day.
The WSL transfer window ends on Thursday at 11 p.m. BST / 6 p.m. ET, which means clubs should have everything they need to compete in the upcoming season. Here are some burning questions and a final table prediction from all 14 -- yes, 14! -- teams.
Jump to: Table prediction | Breakout player | Manager merry-go-round | 14-team expansion
Who will be in the race for the Golden Boot?
It's hard to imagine the top scorer charts without Manchester City's Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who has finished No. 1 for the past three seasons and is the most prolific striker in the WSL. City rely on her a lot and will be delighted she opted to sign a new contract this summer.
Other teams tend to share the goalscoring burden, but Arsenal's Alessia Russo, who tied Shaw for the 2024-25 title, will likely be among the top scorers.
Kirsty Hanson, who was third in the race last year, will likely split the tally with Shekiera Martinez at their new club, Spurs, possibly leaving both of them out of the top three. Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas' high-profile move to London City from Barcelona has brought expectations that the Catalan club's all-time top scorer will increase her career figures, though it may take the 32-year-old some time to settle.
An outside bet? Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones has topped her club's scoring charts, but hasn't yet made inroads towards the Golden Boot. But without the legendary Sam Kerr -- now playing for Gotham FC in the NWSL -- and the injured Mayra Ramírez, the Blues may offer her the chance to shine.
Who will be the breakout young player?
There are plenty of new faces in the WSL this season, with clubs investing in young talent for both the present and future.
Lisa Baum, 19, joined Arsenal from RB Leipzig as the Gunners needed a winger to complement Olivia Smith: she has an opportunity to make the role her own, and play a key role in the club's title charge.
Vivian Endemann is another player with a chance to make an impact. Liverpool have lacked attacking depth under Gareth Taylor, but the 25-year-old Germany international forward brings valuable experience from Wolfsburg and could cause problems even for the top sides.
At Chelsea, 20-year-old Lexi Potter is set for more minutes after building experience under manager Sonia Bompastor. With several midfield departures and Erin Cuthbert injured, the young England international has a chance to break into the starting XI this season and prove she is capable of playing at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Emilie Joramo could be a breakout name at Brighton. The 24-year-old Norway midfielder impressed at Hammarby before moving to the Seagulls this summer, and could add creativity and quality for a club with ambition. After last season's FA Cup final run, the hope is to keep improving on their domestic best of fifth even with the shock exit of manager Dario Vidosic a week before the season.
Can we expect more manager turnover like last year?
New coaches have been like London buses in the WSL: you wait ages for one, and then several come along at once.
Managerial turnover had been relatively low in England for some time, with the likes of Chelsea's Emma Hayes completing stints lasting as long as 12 years, but the past few seasons have seen a change in approach.
Renee Slegers (Arsenal), Andree Jeglertz (Man City), Gareth Taylor (Liverpool) are all less than two years into tenure with their clubs. And now, with Marc Skinner's departure after five years at Manchester United (replaced by Eva Olid) and Vidosic's shock exit from Brighton last week, Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor, only two years into her job herself, is the longest-serving manager in the league.
The turnover has not been limited to the end of campaigns, either. Brian Sorensen (Everton), Rehanne Skinner (West Ham) and Jocelyn Precheur (London City) were all replaced mid-season, with Scott Phelan, Rita Guarino and Eder Maestre taking over. Others like Robert de Pauw (Aston Villa), Mikey Harris (Brighton) and Amandine Miquel (Leicester City) were also brief stops in the revolving door of WSL management.
If the trend continues, which it looks like it will, several managers may be out of a job by the end of the year. There's a lack of elite coaches in England, but with the NWSL and European clubs also swapping managers relatively swiftly, there are plenty of opportunities for more changes to be made.
How will expanding to 14 teams impact the league?
This season, the domestic top flight in England will move from 12 teams to 14, creating more jeopardy and giving every club more chances to earn crucial points across 26 games. Four additional games could make a significant difference; more matches mean more opportunities for teams to gain ground, drop points and change the course of the title race, adding even more competitiveness to an already fiercely contested league.
Charlton (who defeated Leicester City in last year's promotion playoff to send the Foxes back to WSL. 2), Birmingham City and Crystal Palace have all been promoted. But with the league returning to a traditional one-up, one-down promotion and relegation system in 2026-27, at least two of the three promoted clubs will spend a minimum of two seasons in the WSL. That gives them valuable time to gain experience, provide players with more top-flight minutes, and make the investment needed to build a sustainable long-term challenge in the division.
There is, however, a significant downside. With the next season taking place during a World Cup year, adding four more fixtures to the WSL puts even greater pressure on an already congested schedule. There is little room to manoeuvre when it comes to postponements, whether caused by bad weather, fixture clashes, or other scheduling conflicts.
For clubs outside the traditional top three of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, the expansion offers a welcome opportunity for fringe players to see more action, particularly after repeated complaints that squad members don't play enough competitive football. But for the established internationals at the top end of the table -- especially those already playing in the Champions League (UWCL) -- four extra games means more minutes for already tired legs.
WSL TABLE PREDICTION
Winners and European spots
Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City are pretty much nailed-on to win for the WSL title, given it's been 12 years since one them didn't lift the trophy (Liverpool, 2014.)
1. Arsenal
Arsenal are in arguably the best possible situation to claim the title this season. Having fallen short last term and ended the campaign without a trophy -- bar FIFA's Champions Cup -- it was another season where Arsenal were perennial bridesmaids.
On paper, the squad looks solid following a summer overhaul with the likes of Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, Géraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, Lisa Baum and Misa Rodríguez and good use of the free agent market, but there is still some concern that their defense looks thin and any injuries to their defenders could leave them out of the running early.
It will be a long time coming if Arsenal can top the table at the end of the season after a seven-year drought, and it won't be an easy feat with Chelsea also eager to reclaim their throne, as well as contending with their Champions League commitments.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea are also in a solid position heading into this season, with the title race likely to be contested between the two London rivals.
Last year was a rare blip for Chelsea; their third-place finish marked an end to an unrelenting six-year title streak. Having gone unbeaten in her first season, manager Sonia Bompastor shook up the squad from what it had been under former longtime Hayes, and it caused issues. But if that was the transition phase, now must come the results, and you can expect Chelsea to be challenging for the title again with a host of top players arriving this summer, such as Katie McCabe, Manaka Matsukubo, Melvine Malard and Giulia Dragoni.
The Champions League is still the one trophy absent from their cabinet, meaning the team will have to balance the two competitions as well as ever if they want to reclaim their domestic title, and make it to the Champions League final in Poland simultaneously.
3. Manchester City
Back-to-back WSL titles seems a step too far for City. Last season was their first league trophy in a decade, but they have not thoroughly bolstered the squad this term even as they prepare to return to the Women's Champions League, only signing winger Beth Mead from Arsenal, full back Niamh Charles from Chelsea, and Bayer Leverkusen right back Carlotta Wamser -- although the re-signing of key striker Bunny Shaw will feels like a new signing.
Still, their squad depth feels thin, with injury-prone forwards (Vivianne Miedema is out again for another spell) and a heavy reliance on the same players to see them through. While their league and FA Cup double last season was impressive, a third-place finish seems most realistic for City this term.
The fight for fourth place
Any of these teams could realistically finish fourth, but following the transfer window there may be a shake-up to the expected order.
4. Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have had the best transfer window of all 14 WSL teams, signing six key players -- Shekiera Martinez (West Ham), Caitlin Dijkstra (VfL Wolfsburg), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Victoria Pelova (Arsenal), Selma Panengstuen (SK Brann) and Alice Sombath (Lyon) -- adding depth, experience and seasoned international talent to bolster their hopes of breaking into the established elite. January's move for young midfielder Signe Gaupset was also an inspired signing.
Tottenham have been transformed under manager Martin Ho, who arrived last summer, and his culture shift, tactical nous and identity change has turned the club into a real challenger this season.
Spurs began closing the gap on the established top four last season with two draws against Manchester United, and this season has all the makings of a team ready to push into that coveted top four.
5. London City
London City (who are backed by the wealth of billionaire Michele Kang) made headlines for their mega transfers this season, making impressive additions like two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, France international Kadidiatou Diani, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, Germany star Nicole Anyomi and former Barcelona defender Mapi León.
On paper, it is a team stacked with international talent with Champions Leagues, Euros and World Cup titles to spare. But in practice, it may take some time to blend individual talent into team results.
London City are likely to remain in the top half of the table, but pushing further -- despite their goal to reach the Champions League -- seems out of reach as they look to build cohesion and consistency.
6. Manchester United
Manchester United completely failed in the transfer window. Despite having a thin squad during their debut UWCL campaign last term, United only signed four players -- left back Andrea Medina, goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, winger Monica Jusu Bah and midfielder Rebeca Bernal -- and managed to lose several rotational options including a center back, leaving them with only two in the squad.
After five years at the club, manager Marc Skinner walked away just weeks before the start of the season, leaving former Hearts manager Eva Olid with a mountain to climb if she is to get United into the top half of the table, let alone the top four.
It seems unlikely that United can challenge for a top-three spot and, with teams close to them like London City and Spurs bolstering their depth, the plan to use young talent from the academy feels a long way from being effective in the short term. United still have a good starting XI with the likes of Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier, but very few options off the bench and little investment from the ownership.
After failing to win a preseason game, they are looking at a dire season.
7. Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have gone about their summer business quietly and quickly, plugging gaps and adding depth where needed -- such as Lia Wälti and Gabby George -- but the shock exit of manager Vidosic threw the club into disarray just a week before the season started.
The Seagulls came close to silverware last season by reaching the FA Cup final, and despite a 4-0 loss to Manchester City they were able to showcase the potential in the team.
The squad still appears thin, though Brighton may be able to sneak into the top half of the table if they can find some consistency early in the season and the new manager hits the ground running.
The safety zone
These teams could sneak higher up the table based on consistent results or better-placed teams dropping points, but they won't get higher than mid-table despite the increase in teams.
8. Liverpool
Liverpool are still building under manager Gareth Taylor, but finding some consistency will be key to a good finish. They started terribly with a seven-game losing run last campaign and did well to finish 11th, eight points clear of the relegation zone, after a mid-season boost.
The Reds have signed well this summer -- goalkeeper Khiara Keating and striker Vivien Endemann in particular -- and are developing a team capable of challenging for the top half, but this season feels too soon for them to push ahead of teams with better squad depth.
9. Aston Villa
It doesn't feel like Villa have done enough to force teams back this season and may struggle following some high-profile exits, including key goal scorer Kirsty Hanson.
Villa have struggled to sustain a consistent attack for the past few seasons and without some added depth up front, it feels like their woes may only worsen.
Spanish coach Natalia Arroyo, who only joined the team in January 2025, has some strong players in midfield who can dictate games and frustrate opponents, but maintaining pressure for 90 minutes each week feels too much for Villa this term. It may be a better approach to treat this season as a re-building phase.
10. Everton
Everton will likely struggle against the top teams this season following manager Brian Sorenson's exit and there's little they can do. The club's budget is largely the same as the teams around them in the table, so they have been going after the same profile of player, and at times the same players, as their direct rivals.
Despite already having some key players like Ornella Vignola, Jutta Rantala and Holly McNamara, this has left Everton behind the curve. And as the level of competition rises in England, even the long-standing clubs will struggle to keep pace this year.
11. Crystal Palace
Palace perhaps learned from their brief stint in the WSL in 2024-25, when they lasted only one year before going back down to the second tier at the end of the season.
They have signed incredibly well for a team on a reduced budget, which still has a number of players from that top flight campaign on the books. Striker Bethany England and defender Molly Bartrip have joined from Spurs, and Lexi Lloyd-Smith moved over from Bristol City following an impressive spell last summer, while Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and Teyah Goldie joined on season-long loans.
It'll be too much of an ask to get higher up the table, but Palace are likely to be safe from relegation providing things don't go seriously wrong.
THE RELEGATION BATTLE
One of these teams will go down, and it'll be a season-long battle as none have done enough in the transfer window to ensure their safety.
12. West Ham
West Ham have managed to remain in the WSL for several seasons, despite sitting at the bottom of the pack, and were often only saved by teams enduring a worse run of form than they did at crucial points.
Now, with three newly promoted teams, the probability of them lasting another season is relatively high. Though at some point, as other teams begin to strengthen, West Ham's luck might run out.
The relegation of their men's team to the Championship last season may cause backroom issues for the Irons, but their biggest issue will be trying to find a string of results to keep them afloat. The exit of striker Shekiera Martinez (who scored six goals in 20 appearances) won't help, though the signings of Ebony Salmon, Laia Codina, Kelly Gago and Katie Zelem should.
13. Birmingham City
Birmingham are still likely to finish in the bottom section of the table, despite heavy investment and financial backing. They came agonizingly close to promotion two seasons ago, but haven't been in the WSL since 2021 and it has been a slow and steady rebuild process.
The club have poached talent from the likes of Man United and Brighton. while retaining a core of the talent that got them to the top flight. But the squad feels short of seasoned and international talent to bridge the gap, and that may leave them stranded near the bottom if results don't go their way.
14. Charlton Athletic
Charlton were in incredible form last season -- unbeaten in the Championship until March -- before a stutter at the end of the season saw them drop points and lose out on direct promotion -- though they eventually won it through a playoff with Leicester City.
They have a decent team but their transfer business is incomparable to that of their direct rivals and they have huge task to remain in the WSL next season. If other teams drop points, Charlton need to be ready to pounce. But given how they threw away their lead last term, it may be too much to ask.
