'We'll be ready' - who are the WSL newcomers?

For the 2026-27 Women's Super League season, three promoted sides - Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic - will join the top flight of women's football, expanding from 12 to 14 teams. All three teams begin their campaign on Sunday, with the season officially starting on Friday evening as London City Lionesses host Manchester United.

Birmingham City, who won Women's Super League 2 last season, will be back with six new signings, including experienced centre-back Millie Turner, who has made 145 WSL appearances and is the new Blues captain. Neve Herron, a 23-year-old talent, has also been added to the squad.

Crystal Palace, returning to the top flight after one season in the second tier, finished one win fewer than Birmingham in WSL 2. They were difficult to beat, scoring the second-most goals and conceding the second-fewest. Palace also has four new signings, with former Lioness Bethany England joining as a new attack.

Charlton Athletic, not in the top flight since 18 years ago, were second and third in successive seasons before dropping out last year. They had to navigate a play-off against Leicester City, winning 2-1 on penalties. Charlton has secured the play-off spot with a strong defensive record and goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse's potential. Spanish playmaker Paula Partido arrives on loan from London City Lionesses.

Historically, promoted sides in the WSL have generally done well, with only three instances since 2014 where a team came up and went straight back down. The projection from Opta suggests little difference between the promoted trio and the teams staying above the dotted line this season, which could result in a competitive mini-league.