The 2026-27 Barclays Women's Super League season kicks off this weekend, featuring an expanded lineup of 14 clubs for the first time. The opening match sees London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United on Friday, setting the stage for an exciting campaign.

Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic have secured promotion from WSL 2, while the league structure now allows the top three finishers to qualify directly for the Champions League. The bottom club faces outright relegation, with the 13th place team entering a playoff against the WSL 2 runner-up.

As defending league champions, Manchester City leads the power rankings. They have strengthened their squad by re-signing Khadija "Bunny" Shaw and adding Beth Mead and Niamh Charles.

Chelsea FC, last season's third-place finishers, face new challenges with significant player departures. Manager Sonia Bompastor aims to rebuild the squad, adding Katie McCabe from Arsenal.

Arsenal looks to maintain its competitive edge despite losing key players, bringing in Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich to bolster their lineup.

Manchester United is under new management with Eva Olid at the helm, aiming to improve after missing out on Champions League qualification.

London City Lionesses have made headlines by signing two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, aiming to elevate their performance after a sixth-place finish last season.

Other teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Liverpool are also positioned to make an impact, each with unique challenges and potential.

Everton, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, and Charlton Athletic round out the rankings, each facing their own trials as they embark on the new season.