The Women's Super League returns this week with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United on Friday night at 19:00 BST, officially opening the 2026-27 campaign.The competition has expanded significantly, growing from 12 to 14 clubs, which brings a heavier fixture list and fresh storylines heading into the new season.Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic have all earned promotion from WSL 2, while Leicester City drop down after finishing in the relegation places last term. Notably, the battle for the second-tier title last season came down to a dramatic three-way finish on the final day involving Charlton, Crystal Palace and Birmingham, underlining the competitiveness that has fed into this year's promotions.The full roster of 14 clubs competing this season includes Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.At the top of the standings, Manchester City enter as defending champions after securing a domestic double and their first league title in ten years. City will be looking to fend off challengers across the newly expanded division as they aim to defend their crown.The transfer market has also generated headlines ahead of the new season, with London City Lionesses making waves by completing one of the biggest signings in WSL history. The club brought in Spanish international Alexia Putellas, a marquee addition that reflects the growing ambition and financial power within the league.With the increase to 14 teams, each club will play 26 league matches this season, pushing the total number of WSL fixtures up to 182 for the campaign — a notable rise designed to reflect the league's expanded format.The season will run over a lengthy calendar, beginning Friday, 4 September and continuing through to Saturday, 22 May 2027. A winter break is scheduled from 21 December to 10 January, giving players and coaching staff a mid-season pause before the run-in toward the business end of the campaign. The Women's FA Cup final has been set for Saturday, 15 May 2027, coming just before the WSL season concludes.Television coverage of the league will also increase this year. The BBC has confirmed it will broadcast 25 WSL matches across its television network and iPlayer platform during the season, four more fixtures than were shown the previous year. Each live BBC broadcast will be followed by a new reaction programme titled