In recent years, the question around the Barclays Women’s Super League title race has not been who will challenge for the trophy, but who will stop Chelsea. However, after Manchester City dominated domestically last season, Chelsea stumbled for the first time in six years and Arsenal’s slow start left them with too much to chase.
As the 2026-27 campaign approaches, ruthless recruitment, displayed ambition, and tactical evolution have flung the doors of the title race wide open. Growing investments and aspirations across the league mean there are fewer guaranteed points throughout the season than ever before.
So, is this finally the most open BWSL title race in years? Here's the case for the top contenders.
Manchester City
For: The reigning champions know what it takes to win. City’s ruthless goalscoring prowess shows their attack can dismantle any defensive set-up. Coupled with their clever recruitment of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, and a brand new state-of-the-art training facility, the reigning champions will be hard to beat.
Against: As last season's winners, City will have a target on their back. They will face immense pressure to fend off determined and reloaded challengers. Teams will prepare for the force of Bunny Shaw and set up defensively minded to stretch their wingers to the max. The added challenge of European football demands will stretch their squad depth, a factor they did not have to face last season.
Arsenal
For: Arsenal have not messed around this summer. Their clinical recruitment has addressed their key areas of need, and their star-studded signings have bolstered Arsenal’s already elite roster. Furthermore, there will be a feeling in Arsenal’s camp that they underperformed last season, as they went trophyless off the back of a Champions League-winning campaign. The need to avenge this will surely spur the Gunners on this year.
Against: Historically, Arsenal have struggled with consistency at the start of the season. Last season's opening five fixtures saw them pick up just six points out of a possible 15 after succumbing to two draws and a loss. If they are to prove themselves as real contenders, they need to show up consistently from September.
Chelsea
For: Chelsea have dominated this division in seasons past and made winning a habit. Their squad depth and mentality gives them an inherent psychological edge over their opposition. Gaining players such as Katie McCabe, Melvine Malard and young starlet Manaka Matsukubo will give Sonia Bompastor’s side even more of an edge heading into the season.
Against: Last season, Chelsea proved they were beatable. They finished third in a capitulation of a season compared to their last six. Teams will now see them as a side capable of faltering defensively. In addition, they have lost some huge names this summer, including club legend Sam Kerr. Relying on new faces to replicate previous legends is a gamble Bompastor will be hoping pays off.
Manchester United
For: Manchester United proved they can be a formidable side last season, especially in Europe. If they can replicate that domestically this season, they will be hard for any side to beat. They don’t have the pressure of midweek European games this season, so they can focus their energy on a stellar league campaign.
Against: While United have the top-end talent, their sub-par recruitment this summer leaves them in a spot of bother when it comes to squad depth. The loss of Melvie Malard to Chelsea leaves a gaping hole in their attack. While last year’s transfers - Jess Park, Fridolina Rolfö and Julia Zigiotti Olme - delivered in quality over quantity, questions have been raised over United’s depth and ability to keep up with the demands of the season.
Wild Cards
Tottenham Hotspur
For: After a sub-par season in 2024-25, which saw Tottenham finish in 11th place, Martin Ho took over and brought tactical clarity and a competitive edge to his squad. Adding goalscorers like Shekiera Martinez and Kirsty Hanson to their ranks alongside the highly-rated Alice Sombath and Victoria Pelova proves Spurs’ intent to quietly build a consistent ball-playing winning side in north London.
Against: Keeping up with the well-funded and historically high-performing ‘top-four’ is not an easy feat for a side with plenty of new players. They are a side that, although they present solid ideas on paper, lack the experienced winner that so often proves beneficial in the gruelling league.
London City Lionesses
For: No one has had a transfer window quite like London City. Their incredible ambition shows just how determined Michele Kang is to create a winning dynasty in south London. Not only do they have serial team winners in their ranks, but recruitment of individual winners such as two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper Mary Earps also shows their aspirations to be clinical in attack, midfield and defence.
Against: Although they did well in their first campaign in the BWSL last season, London City Lionesses were shown that it is a massive step up to compete with the big dogs of English Women’s football. Even ambitious sides can drop crucial points against established BWSL powerhouses, and their new squad may take some time to form well-oiled relationships on the pitch.
Brighton & Hove Albion
For: Brighton have emerged as an incredibly organised, defensive side that can frustrate the league’s top attacks. We caught a glimpse of this last season as they stifled the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal. They have a proven ability to snag points on the counter, and with Lia Wälti added to control their midfield, Brighton will be a hard team to overcome.
Against: While their defense is superb, Brighton lack the attacking firepower needed to break down defenses of other top-tier sides. They ended last season with a -1 goal difference, denoting their need to enhance their attacking prowess.
