What's happened
London City Lionesses host Manchester United in the opening match of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season on 4 September, with Putellas and Earps among the high-profile signings. The schedule expands to 14 teams and includes a BBC broadcast plan for 25 matches.
What's behind the headline?
Brief
- London City Lionesses have bolstered their squad with Putellas and Earps, signaling a shift in competitive balance.
- United face a high-pressure start, opening against City’s rivals and aiming to bounce back from last season’s Champions League miss.
- The fixture list is heavy on commercial considerations, with BBC broadcasting rights shaping how fans access games.
What this means
- Putellas’s WSL debut will be a key test for London City’s ambitions; success could accelerate attendances and sponsorship.
- United’s form in opening fixtures will influence early title race dynamics; a poor start could accelerate scrutiny on the club’s recruitment strategy.
- The expanded league and broadcast plan will likely lift visibility for women’s football, accelerating long-term growth.
Forecast
- Expect a crowded early schedule as teams navigate new fixtures; early leaders will consolidate by November, setting the tone for the title race.
How we got here
The Women’s Super League has expanded to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season. London City Lionesses have signed Alexia Putellas and Mary Earps, while Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and City have strengthened their squads. The season begins on 4 September, with a calendar designed to integrate broadcast windows across multiple competitions.
Our analysis
Independent: London City Lionesses sign Putellas and Earps; WSL season starts Sep 4. Guardian: Comprehensive fixture list and context for new season. BBC: BBC broadcasts and analysis of opening fixtures and schedule. All sources confirm expansion to 14 teams and notable signings.
Go deeper
- When does the season start and who do City play first?
- How might Putellas and Earps change London City's chances this season?
- What are the biggest fixtures on opening weekend?
More on these topics
-
Alexia Putellas - Spanish footballer
Alexia Putellas Segura is a Spanish footballer who plays for Barcelona and the Spain national team. She has played in the Champions League, won four league titles and two Spanish cups with Barcelona. She previously played for RCD Espanyol and Levante UD.
-
London City Lionesses - Football club
London City Lionesses is a fully professional women's association football club based in Dartford, England. The team competes in FA Women's Championship during the 2019–20 season, the second tier of English women's football.
-
British Broadcasting Corporation - Broadcasting company
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Headquartered at Broadcasting House in Westminster, London, it is the world's oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees.
-
Aston Villa F.C. - Football club
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham. The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of the English football league system.
-
Chelsea F.C. - Football club
Chelsea Football Club are an English professional football club based in Fulham, London. Founded in 1905, the club competes in the Premier League, the top division of English football.
-
Paris Saint-Germain - Football club
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, commonly referred to as Paris Saint-Germain, Paris SG, or simply Paris or PSG, is a French professional football club based in Paris. They compete in Ligue 1, the top division of French football.
-
Mary Earps - Footballer
Mary Alexandra Earps is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Manchester United in the FA WSL and the England national team.