Wigan Warriors maintained their 100% 2026 record, defeating St Helens 44-6 in the Women's Super League's Super Four format debut, scoring nine tries and securing their fifth consecutive win over Saints.
Manchester United defender Gabby George, 29, is set to join Brighton in a six-figure deal, seeking regular game time, bringing her England experience to bolster Brighton's squad ahead of the new WSL season.
Newly promoted Women's Super League club Crystal Palace has signed defender Molly Bartrip from Tottenham for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old joins on a three-year deal, reuniting with ex-Spurs captain Bethany England, after making over 100 appearances for Tottenham.
Manchester United Women are without a manager and have a thin squad a month before the WSL season, following Marc Skinner's departure by mutual consent. Concerns are rising over the club's quiet recruitment and investment strategy, which contrasts with rivals' spending and has led to disagreements over the team's direction.
Marc Skinner has departed as Manchester United Women's manager by mutual consent after five years, during which he secured their first major trophy, the 2024 Women's FA Cup. His exit, a month before the WSL season, follows concerns over squad investment and supporter frustration.
BBC Sport examines how rising WSL attendances, fan engagement initiatives and matchday issues are shaping the women's game in England. Arsenal's large crowds highlight growth, but scheduling and accessibility remain major concerns.
Arsenal Women's Super League side has signed Spain international goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez on a free transfer from Real Madrid, making her their sixth summer signing. The 27-year-old will compete with Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe.
Manchester City has signed England international Niamh Charles from Chelsea for £500,000 on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old left-back brings significant WSL and Champions League experience to City, aiming for regular game time to secure her place in the England squad for the World Cup.
All Women's Super League clubs will be permitted to serve alcohol to fans in the stands starting next season, following the removal of a rule that prohibited consumption in view of the pitch. The change was approved by WSL Football after successful trials over two seasons.
Women's Super League and WSL2 clubs will be permitted to sell alcohol in view of the pitch starting next season, following a successful 18-month trial. The change, approved by WSL Football shareholders, aims to modernize the women's game and appeal to new fans, with low incidences of crowd trouble being a key factor.
Leeds Rhinos defeated St Helens 28-12, moving into second place in the Women's Super League. Tries from Connie Boyd (2), Ebony Stead, and Ruby Enright, along with Mel Howard's conversions, secured the victory.
Wigan Warriors secured a commanding 56-12 victory over Huddersfield Giants, scoring 10 tries to reclaim the top spot in the Women's Super League. Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie also achieved significant wins.
The Women's Super League and West Ham United women's team were reportedly unaware of restrictions placed on major shareholder David Sullivan's interaction with the team due to a safeguarding investigation opened in 2023. Seven women have accused the 77-year-old of predatory behavior, which he denies.
England defender Lucy Bronze believes the Women's Super League's continuous improvement and commercialization make it a top destination for Europe's best players, including a recent influx of Spanish talent. The WSL's competitive nature and the success of the Lionesses contribute to its appeal.
Aston Villa forward Kirsty Hanson is reportedly set to join Tottenham after an impressive season where she was the WSL's third highest goalscorer. The Scotland international will reunite with former coach Martin Ho.
Manchester City crowned WSL champions, Leicester relegated. Tottenham and London City Lionesses impressed as newcomers. Arsenal and Chelsea had mixed seasons, while Man Utd struggled in Europe.
Leicester City's five-year WSL stay ends after losing a play-off to Charlton. The club faces financial strain and uncertainty over player futures following relegation.
Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse was the hero as Charlton secured promotion to the Women's Super League for the first time, saving four penalties in a dramatic shootout win over Leicester City.
Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse was the hero as Charlton secured promotion to the Women's Super League for the first time, saving four penalties in a dramatic shootout win against Leicester City. Manager Karen Hills hailed Whitehouse as 'the star of the show' after her crucial saves.
Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse saved four penalties to secure Charlton's promotion to the Women's Super League and relegate Leicester. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, with Charlton winning the shootout 2-1.
Khadija Shaw's record-breaking season for Manchester City Women, including 21 goals in 22 games, places her among the WSL's all-time greats. Comparisons with Miedema and Kerr highlight her scoring prowess, but her future at City is uncertain as contract talks stall.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps, 33, is reportedly close to a Women's Super League return, with London City Lionesses showing interest. Her contract with PSG expires in June, and she previously played for Manchester United.
Manchester City have won the Women's Super League title for the second time, ending Chelsea's six-year reign. The team secured the championship with a 4-1 victory over West Ham United in their final league game.
Sam Kerr, Chelsea's record-breaking striker, will leave the club at the end of the season after a trophy-laden career, with her future possibly heading back to the NWSL in the USA.
