The two automatic promotion places are a one-season deal. In the 2026-27 campaign, second place in WSL2 will mean a play-off against the 13th-placed WSL side, with third missing out.
This adds a sense of urgency for sides in the highly competitive WSL2. Last season eight of the 11 sides were in promotion contention at times, while nine points separated the top five come the end of the campaign.
Ultimately, promotion was only decided on the final day, when champions London City Lionesses secured a 2-2 draw away to Birmingham City, who finished two points behind in second spot.
“It is a massive incentive, any club would be amiss not to invest,” Sunderland’s Brianna Westrup told BBC Sport. “You never know when that many spaces might be available – even next season there is one less.
“Two seasons ago we finished third. It is definitely attainable. We all have our eyes set on that.”
“With three potentially going up it’s a huge opportunity,” added Southampton goalkeeper Fran Stenson. “Everyone can see how much has been invested, and with 12 professional teams hopefully it’s all positive.”
The competitiveness, and added promotion places, of the English second tier has allowed it to draw in more talent.
Former England midfielder Jordan Nobbs has dropped down from WSL side Aston Villa to Newcastle United, while Bristol City striker Rio Hardy says it was also a factor when she chose to leave Scottish giants Rangers this summer.
“My goal is to play in the WSL,” Hardy, 29, told BBC Sport. “I was clear with Charlotte [Healy, Robins manager] about that. It was one of the things that pulled her to me, we both want promotion and to achieve my dream.
“Playing for Rangers I’m used to competing for trophies, that’s something we want to do at Bristol City. There’s a lot more to play for, with possible three promotion places, it’s what more clubs will be aiming for and it will draw more people to the league because of that.”
