Allowing B teams from Women’s Super League and Championship clubs to play in the Women’s National League has been proposed as part of plans to restructure tiers three to six of the English women’s pyramid from the 2026-27 season. A detailed proposal by the Football Association, seen by the Guardian, also includes the expansion of the regional leagues in tiers three and four to 14 teams per division, and the introduction of a playoff system to increase the number of teams promoted and relegated between tiers three-four and four-five.
The 27-page document, sent to clubs as part of an ongoing consultation process, proposes that B teams could enter anywhere between tier four and six but that there would be a promotion ceiling limiting B teams from progressing higher than tier three. Additionally, no B team would be able to play higher than two tiers below their first team, meaning that, for example, a Championship side’s B team could not play higher than tier four.
There is no mention in the proposal of any potential expansion of the WSL and Championship, which have been run independently since August by Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL). Tiers three and below are operated by the FA. An FA spokesperson told the Guardian: “It is our long-term objective to enhance the structure of tiers three to six of the women’s football pyramid to best serve clubs, players and fans. To fulfil that objective, we are undertaking a thorough review and consultation of the current pyramid system with all clubs and key stakeholders. No decisions stemming from this review have yet been made and we look forward to the two-way dialogue with clubs and stakeholders.”.
