The 2026-27 Barclays Women's Super League fixtures have officially been released, with an expanded 14-team competition set to kick off on Friday, September 4.

Following the promotion of Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic, the league enters a new era with more clubs, more matches and an exciting opening weekend that includes several headline fixtures.

London City Lionesses Begin Life In The WSL

The new season begins under the Friday night lights as London City Lionesses host Manchester United in the opening fixture of the campaign.

After making headlines this summer by signing two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, London City will make their long-awaited WSL debut in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Manchester United face one of the toughest opening schedules in the league, with Chelsea and Arsenal following in their next two matches.

Manchester City Begin Title Defence

Defending champions Manchester City start their campaign at home against newly-promoted Birmingham City.

After lifting the WSL title last season, City will be expected to begin strongly, although Birmingham will be hoping to mark their return to the top flight with a statement result.

Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Brighton, Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, Tottenham welcome West Ham in a London derby, Liverpool travel to promoted Charlton Athletic, while Crystal Palace begin life back in the WSL against Everton.

Big Early Fixtures To Watch

Fans won't have to wait long for some of the season's biggest clashes.

Manchester United welcome Chelsea in the second round before travelling to Arsenal the following weekend in another heavyweight encounter.

Arsenal then host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on September 27 in one of the standout fixtures of the opening month.

The first Merseyside derby of the season also takes place on September 27, with Liverpool hosting Everton at Anfield.

More Matches Than Ever Before

The expansion from 12 to 14-teams means the Women's Super League will feature more matches than ever before.

Sky Sports will broadcast around 90% of all league fixtures, showing 163 matches live throughout the season, alongside the promotion play-off. Selected games will also be available on the Sky Sports WSL YouTube channel, while scheduling changes will reduce the number of matches kicking off simultaneously.

Despite the expansion, relegation remains in place. The team finishing bottom will be automatically relegated to WSL 2, while the side finishing 13th will compete in a play-off against the WSL 2 runners-up for a place in the top flight.

Opening Weekend Fixtures

Friday, September 4

  • London City Lionesses vs Manchester United

Saturday, September 5

  • Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Sunday, September 6

  • Brighton vs Arsenal
  • Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United
  • Charlton Athletic vs Liverpool
  • Crystal Palace vs Everton
  • Manchester City vs Birmingham City

With three newly-promoted clubs, an expanded competition and several blockbuster fixtures in the opening weeks, the 2026-27 Women's Super League season is set to be one of the biggest and most competitive campaigns in the league's history.