Here, the Press Association takes a look at what we have learned from this season’s competition.
Man City revitalised
Champions 🙌 pic.twitter.com/W7IfxEEDec
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 6, 2026
Manchester City were crowned WSL champions for the first time since 2016 as head coach Andree Jeglertz turned their fortunes around.
The Swede took over last July after the sacking of Gareth Taylor in March, City having slumped to a fourth-placed finish in the WSL, 17 points behind champions Chelsea.
Although his tenure got off to a rocky start with a 2-1 loss to the Blues on the opening day, Jeglertz has steered his side to an impressive 17 wins from 21 games, with Arsenal’s draw against Brighton on May 6 confirming City as champions.
And there could be further success in store later this month when they face Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup final.
Chelsea’s grip loosened
Chelsea are battling to finish second (Peter Byrne/PA)
City’s triumph also ended Chelsea’s WSL domination and the Blues are battling with Arsenal for a second-placed finish going into the final day.
Chelsea had won six consecutive titles before this season and finished 12 points clear of their rivals last term.
Now, however, they face a fight to qualify automatically for the league phase of the Champions League, with the third-placed Blues currently on course for the qualifiers.
They go into their final game of the season at home to Manchester United two points behind Arsenal, who travel to Liverpool.
Tottenham turn it around
Martin Ho has turned Tottenham’s fortunes around (Ben Whitley/PA)
Tottenham have been one of the surprise packages of the season, having initially been considered relegation candidates.
Spurs finished second bottom last year, but under new boss Martin Ho they have excelled to secure a fifth-placed finish.
Ahead of their final game against Brighton, they have also recorded their highest points tally in the WSL with 33, just six off fourth-placed Manchester United.
Newly-promoted hopes
London City have impressed in the WSL (Peter Byrne/PA)
Newly-promoted London City Lionesses have enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the top flight.
The club made a host of significant signings last summer, bringing in experienced players like Danielle van de Donk, Nikita Parris, Katie Zelem and Alanna Kennedy among others.
They were sixth when boss Jocelyn Precheur was surprisingly sacked in December and under replacement Eder Maestre they sit seventh.
They go into their final game at home to Aston Villa with a sixth-placed finish still a possibility.
Greats say goodbye
The end of a beautiful era…
Millie Bright will officially retire at the end of the season, bringing a close to an iconic career in the #BarclaysWSL 🌟 pic.twitter.com/ONoUdu4Pzn
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) April 29, 2026
This season has seen some of the league’s leading names bid farewell.
Chelsea captain Millie Bright announced her retirement from football at the end of April after 12 years at the club, where she won eight WSL titles.
Manchester City midfielder Laura Coombs is set to retire at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a career which has also seen her represent Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
A number of household names are also leaving their current clubs, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, Arsenal duo Beth Mead and Katie McCabe and Tottenham captain Bethany England all moving on.