Shootouts & regional fixture split for new-look League Cup
The Women's League Cup will be rebranded as the Players Cup and switch to a regionalised league format from the 2026-27 season, following a vote by Women's Super League (WSL) and WSL 2 clubs last November aimed at easing fixture congestion and protecting player welfare. Crucially, the new format excludes clubs competing in the Women's Champions League, meaning holders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal will not take part this term. As only Arsenal, Chelsea and City have ever won the competition, their absence guarantees the trophy gets a first-time winner in 2026-27.
The remaining 23 top-flight clubs are split into Northern and Southern sections, playing within one overall table between September and December on European fixture nights, with each side facing three home and three away regional matches. Drawn games go to penalty shootouts, with winners earning two points and losers one; the top eight advance to January's quarter-finals, followed by single-leg semi-finals and a final at a neutral venue on 13-14 March. WSL chief revenue officer Zarah Al-Kudcy said the changes aim to give young and fringe players more meaningful minutes and address the disparity in fixture loads between clubs in Europe and those without, with fixtures due to be announced on 6 August.
- Women's League Cup renamed Players Cup with new regional league format for 2026-27.
- Champions League-qualified clubs Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal excluded this season.
- Drawn matches decided by shootouts; final set for 13-14 March 2027.
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The Women's League Cup is one of the main knockout competitions in English women's football, run alongside the league championship. It has historically been dominated by a small number of major clubs, with only three sides having ever won the trophy.
The competition is being overhauled to reduce fixture congestion and improve player welfare, concerns that are particularly acute for clubs that also compete in European tournaments. From next season, the tournament will operate on a regional basis rather than as a single national competition, with matches held during weeks set aside for European fixtures.
The reformed format excludes clubs competing in European competition this season, meaning the three sides that have ever won the trophy will not participate. As a result, the competition is guaranteed to have a first-time winner.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Protecting player welfare and addressing fixture inequities between Champions League and domestic-only clubs must be prioritised. The format provides young and fringe players meaningful minutes whilst enabling top teams to focus on Europe, building developmental depth across the league rather than concentrating opportunity in three clubs.
The case against
Excluding all previous winners fundamentally compromises the competition's integrity—a guaranteed first-time winner created by design rather than earned achievement is not a legitimate champion. Competing against the sport's elite provides irreplaceable development, whilst restricting participation risks diminishing fan and commercial engagement that actually funds women's football investment.