WSL: It is time to grow league to 18 teams, says Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes joined Chelsea in 2012

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes wants the Women's Super League to be increased to 18 teams.

The league is currently comprised of 12 teams, meaning each club plays a 22-match campaign.

Chelsea, the defending champions, won last season's title by two points but Hayes says an increase in teams would boost the "unpredictability" of the league.

"It's time to grow. It's time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams," she said.

The champions opened their title defence with a 2-1 win against Tottenham last Sunday, in front of nearly 15,000 spectators at Stamford Bridge.

The opening weekend saw a surprise home defeat for Arsenal against Liverpool, while Leicester City, Manchester United, Brighton and Manchester City all won away from home.

It meant Chelsea were the only home side to take anything on the opening weekend of the season.

The Blues dropped points in just three matches as they pipped Manchester United to the title last season, winning 19 of their 22 fixtures.

But Hayes says an increase in teams from 12 to up to 18 would increase the drama of the league.

"Lots of people said we weren't at our best last season but we had a record points total to win the league," said Hayes.

"There is more unpredictability than ever [in the WSL]. The opening game demonstrates that. The question we should be asking is when are we going to make our league a bit bigger?"