WPLL needs to invest and expand but sealing off top tier risks encouraging mediocrity and too many meaningless games

The Guardian broke the news last week that the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) is in discussions with its 24 member clubs in the top two tiers of the English women’s pyramid to make significant changes in the size and structure of both divisions.

The proposal includes expanding the divisions from 12 to 16 teams over a four-year period, starting from 2026-27, by continuing to promote one team into the Women’s Super League but freezing relegation for at least four seasons to enable the expansion.