The 2025/26 Women’s Super League season is poised to kick off on the weekend of 5-7 September 2025, with Chelsea facing Manchester City in one of the highlight opening fixtures – an exhilarating curtain-raiser for what’s shaping up to be a compelling campaign.
This season will feature twelve teams, including the newly promoted London City Lionesses, replacing relegated Crystal Palace, marking the league’s continued evolution ahead of expansion to 14 clubs in 2026/27.
Under a new five-year broadcast deal, fans can expect nearly every match live on BBC or Sky Sports, with Sunday noon kickoffs becoming the consistent weekly slot.
Transfers and New Signings
Every club has been active this summer. Arsenal broke the women’s football transfer record by signing Olivia Smith from Liverpool for £1 million, while also bringing in England forward Chloe Kelly and Taylor Hinds as free transfers to reinforce their Champions League-winning squad.
Brighton bolstered their defence with Colombia’s Manuela Vanegas from Real Sociedad, Japan’s Moeka Minami, and imported international keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, signalling progress under Dario Vidosic.
Liverpool, rebuilding after last season’s struggles, added Sam Kerr from Bayern Munich, Rafaela Borggrafe, and Rangers’ Kirsty Maclean, aiming to add attacking quality and depth.
Manchester City made key arrivals too, including Swiss youngster Iman Beney, Sydney Lohmann from Bayern Munich, and Jade Rose, to widen their squad options.
At Chelsea, four new permanent signings landed. Mara Alber from Hoffenheim, full-back Ellie Carpenter, goalkeeper Livia Peng, and Becky Spencer, bringing reinforcements across every line following a treble-winning season.
Injury Updates: Returns to Watch and Warnings
Several players are returning from significant injuries. For instance, Lauren Hemp of Manchester City underwent knee surgery in November 2024 but returned in April 2025, and will be one to watch for impact in the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova is nearing fitness after a long-term ACL setback and could add creativity once fully available.
Chelsea’s injury list has included stalwarts like Kadeisha Buchanan, Lauren James and Sam Kerr.
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Clubs to Watch and Season Shape
Chelsea, as reigning champions, look formidable once again – especially with their layered squad under new manager Sonia Bompastor.
Arsenal, boosted by Champions League success, make a strong case for title contention too, especially if Pelova and new signings settle seamlessly. Manchester City, meanwhile, invest in youth and versatility, with the likes of Beney and Lohmann offering fresh energy.
Brighton & Hove Albion continue their upward trajectory having finished fifth last season.
Fresh faces like Vanegas and Nnadozie could ensure a push into the top four is realistic. Liverpool, with new additions including high-profile signing Kerr, hope to reverse last season’s low scoring and build momentum. Continuity and fitness will be their key.
A Wsl Season To Look Forward To
With a full schedule of WSL matches secured for broadcast and plans underway to amplify fan engagement following Euro 2025 excitement, the league is entering a critical growth phase – the driving aim being to convert expanded visibility into long-term commercial success and fanbase growth.
The Women’s Super League roars back into action on the weekend of 5-7 September 2025, and with big-money transfers, players returning from long-term injury, and squads building momentum, the upcoming season promises drama, quality and fierce competition at every turn.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 18.05.2025