WSL Power Rankings: 2026-27 Season Preview
Season Kickoff and League Expansion
The 2026-27 Barclays Women’s Super League season kicks off this weekend, marking the first campaign with 14 clubs after expansion from 12. Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic earned promotion from WSL 2, while the top three finishers will now qualify directly for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The bottom side faces automatic relegation and 13th place enters a playoff against the WSL 2 runner-up.
Broadcasting and Coverage
CBS Sports holds exclusive U.S. rights to the Barclays WSL, with all 183 matches live-streamed on Paramount+. CBS Sports Network will air one weekly fixture, and select games will also be available on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Fans can follow every matchday across multiple platforms.
2026-27 Barclays WSL Power Rankings
With the new season imminent, here’s our initial WSL power rankings. These positions reflect offseason signings, squad depth and coaching changes heading into matchday one.
1. Manchester City
Last season’s champions kick off the rankings after ending Chelsea’s six-year title run. City secured key talent by re-signing Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and adding attackers Beth Mead and Niamh Charles. Their blend of proven scorers and tactical depth makes them favorites to defend the crown.
2. Chelsea FC
Chelsea slipped to third last term amid significant roster turnover. Manager Sonia Bompastor has bolstered the squad with Katie McCabe but faces little margin for error in a competitive top-three race. Consistency will be crucial as the Blues aim to regain dominance.
3. Arsenal
The Gunners lost Katie McCabe and Beth Mead but reinforced with Georgia Stanway’s return from Bayern Munich. Arsenal’s early fixtures will test their resilience and determine if Stanway can offset recent departures in pursuit of a top-two finish.
4. Manchester United
United missed out on Champions League qualification and replaced Marc Skinner with Eva Olid. A solid defensive core led by Maya Le Tissier and Phallon Tulis-Joyce underpins their challenge. United’s ascent hinges on Olid’s ability to maximize a balanced, youthful squad.
5. London City Lionesses
Newcomers make a statement signing with two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, joining Mary Earps, Kadidiatou Diani, Mapi León and Grace Geyoro. Owner Michele Kang’s ambitious recruitment positions the Lionesses as dark-horse contenders for a top-four finish.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have settled into mid-table contention under head coach Robert Vilahamn, finishing fifth last season. Additions like Victoria Pelova and Shekiera Martinez provide attacking flair. Tottenham could upset higher-ranked teams with a strong home record.
7. Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s coaching shakeup—with Arturo Ruiz stepping in after Dario Vidosic’s exit—introduces uncertainty. Key signings Lia Waiti, Gabby George and Nadia Krezyman offer quality, but stability will dictate whether Albion fulfill breakout expectations.
8. Liverpool
Liverpool impressed in the closing stages last term, and manager Gareth Taylor added Japan international Mao Itamura and goalkeeper Khiara Keating. A positive start could propel the Reds into the top half if attacking cohesion improves early.
9. Everton
Everton advanced under Scott Phelan’s permanent appointment but made limited acquisitions beyond Rylee Foster-Inman and Holly McNamara. Sustainability over a longer season will test their depth as they aim to climb from last year’s eighth place.
10. West Ham United
After a disappointing finish, West Ham target a stronger beginning under Rita Guarino. Replacing Shekiera Martinez with Kelly Gago adds speed on the wings, but consistency at both ends of the pitch remains a priority to avoid relegation trouble.
11. Aston Villa
Villa’s goalscoring options weakened with Kirsty Hanson’s departure. Newcomers Kamilla Melgård and Amalie Vangsgaard bring fresh attacking prospects, yet Natalia Arroyo needs to convert potential into points in her third season.
12. Crystal Palace
Palace return to the top flight under Jo Potter and look best-placed among promoted sides. The ambitious signing of Bethany England should boost their survival bid, but adapting to WSL pace will be an early test.
13. Birmingham City
WSL 2 champions Birmingham City strengthened with Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United. As newcomers, they face a steep learning curve but have momentum and confidence from last season’s success.
14. Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic secured promotion via playoff and enter the WSL for the first time in years. Manager Karen Hills will lean on grit and organization as her side navigates the challenges of top-flight competition.
Check back throughout the season for updates to these WSL power rankings as matches unfold and momentum shifts across the Barclays Women’s Super League.