The 2026/27 Women’s Super League season is off the press, and the fixtures have already landed with a bang. With 14 teams now in the fold, the expanded WSL kicks off on Friday, September 4, when London City Lionesses host Man Utd in a match that will be live on Sky Sports. Just days later, on Sunday, September 6, champions Manchester City will begin their title defense with a game against newly promoted Birmingham City.
The addition of Birmingham, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic marks a shift in the competition's dynamics. These three teams have pushed their way into the top flight after securing promotion from WSL 2, a move that brings both new challenges and new rivalries. With three fresh faces on the schedule, the fixtures now stretch across more weekends and offer greater flexibility in kickoff times, something the league hopes will improve accessibility for fans.
Broadcast plans and key matches
Sky Sports has confirmed its broadcast plan for the 2026/27 season, including live coverage of 90% of all games. That means 163 matches will be shown live on Sky Sports and NOW, with some streamed through the Sky Sports WSL YouTube channel. Highlights will also be available for free through the Sky Sports app and website, ensuring that even those without a subscription can catch up.
The opening weekend is packed with action. London City's first game against Man Utd sets the tone, followed by a bumper Sunday that includes five live matches. Among the early highlights: Arsenal's opener at Brighton, Tottenham's home clash with West Ham, and Crystal Palace's return to the top flight as they face Everton.
Relegation and promotion in play
Despite the league's growth, the pressure remains. The team that finishes last will be automatically relegated, while the 13th-placed side will enter a playoff against the WSL 2 runners-up. That structure keeps the stakes high from the first to the last match.
The final round of matches is set for May 22–23, with the play-off following on May 29–30. Fans can follow all the action through the Sky Sports app, which offers vertical video highlights, live streams, and stats.
Key dates and early-season clashes
The first Merseyside derby of the season is already set for September 27, when Everton travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. Other notable early fixtures include Man Utd's second game at home against Chelsea and Arsenal's home clash with the same team a week later, both live on Sky Sports.
For now, the focus is on the opening weekend and the new teams stepping into the spotlight. The WSL has never been bigger, and it’s clear that Sky Sports is ready to showcase every minute.