15 years of the BWSL
Initially due to kick off in 2010 but delayed due to the global economic downturn, the BWSL began play in 2011 as the successor to the old FA Women’s Premier League National Division – which then served as the second tier before being replaced by the BWSL2 in 2014.
Until 2016, the league was a summer competition with the season running on a calendar year format. Since 2017/18, it’s been played as a winter league.
The BWSL has grown over the years, starting out with eight teams then increasing to nine in 2016, 10 in 2017/18, 11 in 2018/19, 12 from 2019/20 to 2025/26 then 14 for the current 2026/27 campaign.
21 clubs have played in the BWSL
A total of 21 clubs have featured in the BWSL, with 20 of them playing at least two seasons in the competition (Charlton Athletic are the exception, making their debut at the level in 2026/27).
Two clubs have been ever present, appearing in all 16 BWSL campaigns to date: Arsenal and Chelsea – who account for the overwhelming majority of BWSL titles, winning three (including each of the first two) and a record eight respectively.
They were two of the BWSL’s eight founder members along with Birmingham City, Bristol Academy (later Bristol City), Doncaster Rovers Belles, Everton, Lincoln Ladies (later Notts County) and Liverpool.
Every club to compete in the BWSL
| Club* | Years in BWSL |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 2011- |
| Aston Villa | 2020- |
| Birmingham | 2011-2022, 2026- |
| Brighton | 2018- |
| Bristol City | 2011-2015, 2017-2021, 2023-2024 |
| Charlton | 2026- |
| Chelsea | 2011- |
| Crystal Palace | 2024-2025, 2026- |
| Doncaster | 2011-2013, 2016 |
| Everton | 2011-2014, 2017- |
| Leicester | 2021-2026 |
| Liverpool | 2011-2020, 2022- |
| London City Lionesses | 2025- |
| Man City | 2014- |
| Man United | 2019- |
| Notts County | 2011-2016 |
| Reading | 2016-2023 |
| Spurs | 2019- |
| Sunderland | 2015-2018 |
| West Ham | 2018- |
| Yeovil | 2017-2019 |
*Name at time of most recent season in BWSL
4 clubs have won the BWSL title
As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have been crowned BWSL champions.
Liverpool went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014, with Man City triumphing in 2016 and again last season.
Three clubs have finished as runners-up without winning the title so far: Birmingham, Bristol City and Manchester United.
Most BWSL appearances: Millie Bright
Chelsea and England legend Millie Bright retired at the end of the 2025/26 season having made 216 BWSL appearances – mostly for the Blues and also for Doncaster early in her career.
Bright also holds the record for the most BWSL titles, starring in all eight of Chelsea’s successes between 2011 and 2025.
Most BWSL goals: Vivianne Miedema
Another icon of the game, Vivianne Miedema has racked up 97 BWSL goals across spells with Arsenal and Man City.
The Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer by some distance with 104 goals, Miedema has missed the start of this season through injury but will be eyeing up that 100-goal milestone in the BWSL as soon as she returns.
Most BWSL Golden Boots: Bunny Shaw
Hot on Miedema’s heels in the race to 100 is Man City goal machine Bunny Shaw, who has claimed three BWSL Golden Boots since arriving in the league only five years ago.
The Jamaica captain currently sits on 88 BWSL goals and also boasts the most hat-tricks in the history of the competition with eight – three more than second-placed Miedema.
Most BWSL assists: Beth Mead
The first player ever to reach 50 BWSL assists, Beth Mead has now set up 55 goals in the division, starring for Sunderland, Arsenal and, now, Man City.
Having also found the net 72 times herself, the England great boasts a total of 127 BWSL goal contributions.
Most clubs played for in the BWSL: Lucy Staniforth
Lucy Staniforth hung up her boots at the end of last season after turning out for a record seven BWSL clubs.
The 17-cap England midfielder played for Sunderland (where she started out and had two spells), Lincoln, Bristol Academy, Liverpool – winning the title with them in 2014 – Birmingham, Man United and Aston Villa.
