'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at the three new additions to the Women's Super League for the first season of its expanded 14-team format
The Women's Super League (WSL) will expand from 12 to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season, with three promoted sides returning to the top flight for the first time. Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic join from WSL 2. Birmingham, who won the WSL 2 title last season, returned after a four-season absence and are bolstered by experienced striker Lily Crosthwaite and new captain Millie Turner.
Crystal Palace, familiar to supporters, strengthened their attack with former Lionesses Kirsty Howat and Abbie Larkin, and signed Bethany England, the WSL's all-time leading scorer. Charlton Athletic, last in the top flight 18 years ago, secured promotion via a play-off after finishing second and third in consecutive seasons. Their defensive record and goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, who saved four penalties, helped them reach the WSL.
While promoted sides generally perform well, the exact positions they will finish in the final standings remain uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
