Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
North East teams have eyes on WSL expansion
The Journal
|June 18, 2025
THE Women's Super League is set for an expansion to 14 teams from the start of the 2026-27 season, incorporating a promotion and relegation play-off.
It is huge news for Newcastle United Women, Sunderland Ladies and Durham Women who all finished in the top seven of the Championship in the season just finished and will now have their eyes on the big prize.
This significant development follows a proposal by Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women's Professional Leagues Limited, which earned the nod during Monday's WSL Football shareholders meeting.
While awaiting the go-ahead from the Football Association board, this move would see 14 teams battle it out in the premier women's competition beginning next year, with the 2025-26 season concluding in a dramatic relegation/promotion play off.
If the expansion from a 12-team WSL to 14 gets FA approval, it offers three Women's Championship clubs the chance to gain promotion during the 2025-26 campaign.
This story is from the June 18, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Durham's bonus points could help secure safety
CENTURIES frorn Emilo Gay and Will Rhodes helped Durham pick up five crucial batting bonus points as they drew their Rothesay County Championship meeting with already relegated Worcestershire.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Motorcyclist badly hurt in collision
A teenage motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash in Newcastle.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
5 reasons you may be losing hair
EXPERTS REVEAL WHY YOU MAY BE NOTICING YOUR HAIR THIN AS YOU AGE. BY LARA OWEN
2 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
More planes, more pollution
AS the hottest year on record moves towards its end, the challenge of reducing our emissions grows ever more urgent.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Protests across France
PROTESTERS have hit France with transport strikes, demonstrations and traffic blockades, pitting the power of the streets against President Emmanuel Macron’s government and its proposals to cut funding for public services.
1 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Council steps up safety checks on ill-fated flyover
MORE regular safety checks for the condemned Gateshead Flyover have been promised, after a vehicle was hit by debris falling from the crumbling structure.
1 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Today, take a dip into poetry then a less fragrant topic
AUTUMN arrives and according to the poet John Keats, it’s 'the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Blooming marvellous
COMMUNITIES from across the North East came together in the 61st Northumbria in Bloom competition.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Rashford double as Spanish giants take spoils at St James'
NEWCASTLE United fans showed warm appreciation in defeat against Barcelona on a night that may prove to be a learning curve for the Magpies.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
DISTURBING NIGHTLIFE TREND AS VOYEURISM OFFENCES SOAR
VOYEURISM offences have soared in England and Wales over the last decade amid concern over a disturbing trend in “nightlife videos” online.
2 mins
September 19, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size