The new WSL season could hardly have asked for a more intriguing opening.
The transfer window is closed, the squads are finally taking shape and, for once, there is a feeling that the established order could genuinely be challenged.
Arsenal have gone big in their pursuit of a first league title since 2019. London City Lionesses have taken things to another level altogether, assembling a squad packed with elite experience and bringing Alexia Putellas to English football.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have kept hold of Bunny Shaw, potentially the most important piece of business of all.
And then there is Chelsea, who tried to land Shaw themselves but ultimately have to settle for a summer that feels less transformative than many expected.
So who actually won the window?
Arsenal look ready to challenge again
There is no disguising the scale of Arsenal's rebuild.
Eight new players have arrived, with Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodriguez, Selina Cerci and Elisa De Almeida among the headline additions. The club clearly identified areas where it needed greater depth and quality and attacked them decisively.
What makes Arsenal particularly interesting is that this doesn't feel like recruitment for recruitment's sake.
They have added players who can compete immediately, while also increasing the options available to Renee Slegers across what should be a demanding campaign.
Lisa Baum has reportedly caught the eye in training, while Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are expected to return before the end of the year.
That could make an already-improved squad even stronger as the season develops.
Arsenal's challenge now is simple: turn an excellent transfer window into their first WSL title in seven years.
There can be no excuses about being close anymore.
London City have gone from ambitious to serious
If Arsenal had the most convincing summer, London City had the most headline-grabbing one.
Mapi Leon brings Champions League-winning experience to the defence. Mary Earps gives them one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of her generation. Put those three together and suddenly a side that finished sixth last season looks completely different on paper.
There is, however, a major question hanging over London City.
How quickly can all of this talent become a functioning team?
The quality is unquestionable. The expectations are equally clear.
A repeat of last season's sixth-place finish would represent a failure given the scale of the investment and ambition.
The good news is that Putellas' arrival is already creating a buzz beyond the pitch, with London City selling out their Bromley home for the first time as supporters prepare to see the two-time Ballon d'Or winner in action.
That is the sort of impact a signing can have before kicking a ball.
Now comes the difficult bit.
Manchester City still have the player everyone wanted
City's summer may not look as dramatic as Arsenal's or London City's, but keeping Bunny Shaw could ultimately prove decisive.
Chelsea pushed hard for the striker, even putting forward a league-leading contract offer, but Shaw remained in Manchester.
That matters enormously.
Shaw's goals give City an attacking weapon that very few teams can match, and Beth Mead's arrival provides another high-level creative option.
There are concerns, though.
City begin the season with several important players dealing with injuries, including Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
With Champions League football also returning, squad depth will be tested.
City therefore remain among the favourites, but this feels like a season in which the champions could be pushed much harder.
Chelsea have something to prove
Chelsea's window is perhaps the hardest to assess.
They clearly wanted to make a statement. Their pursuit of Shaw demonstrates that.
They even explored a move for Sweden striker Felicity Schroder, only for her to choose Real Madrid.
There are positives.
Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard bring experience and energy, while young talents Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo could have an opportunity to make a significant impact.
But Chelsea looked unusually flat at times last season, and the question remains whether this recruitment has done enough to close the gap.
They have the resources and the talent.
Now they need the performances.
Spurs and West Ham could make the race uncomfortable
The most interesting part of this WSL season could be what happens behind the obvious title contenders.
Tottenham have quietly put together an impressive group, adding Caitlin Dijkstra, Kirsty Hanson, Shekiera Martinez and Alice Sombath.
A top-four push looks like the obvious target.
West Ham also deserve attention.
Kelly Gago could provide the attacking threat they have lacked, Ebony Salmon has another chance to rediscover her best form and Laia Codina adds valuable experience.
Their opening test against Spurs should provide an early indication of just how much progress they have made.
Arsenal have set the standard, now everyone has to respond
The transfer window has left Arsenal looking like the team that has most clearly addressed its weaknesses.
London City have made the boldest statement.
Manchester City still possess the striker who could decide the title race.
Chelsea have plenty to prove.
And the teams below them are becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.
That is why this WSL season feels different.
The gap at the top may finally be narrowing, while London City's aggressive approach has added another layer of intrigue to a league already attracting more global attention.
Arsenal have spent the summer telling everyone they are ready.
London City have spent it telling everyone they have arrived.
Now they have to prove it.
And with the transfer window finally closed, there is nowhere left to hide.
