SWPL sets course for two leagues of 10
Celtic played 32 games to win the SWPL title last season, with the new format cutting the league campaign to 28 for top six sides
- Published
The SWPL will switch to two leagues of 10 teams from the 2025-2026 season, reducing the number of matches in the top flight.
The current 12-team SWPL and eight-team SWPL 2 will continue for a third time next term.
However, there will be relegation for the bottom three in the top division, with no play-offs, while the team finishing first in SWPL 2 will be promoted.
Once the two leagues of 10 are established, clubs will meet home and away to complete an initial 18 matches, followed by a top six and bottom four split.
The teams in each section then play each other home and away again, with the top six playing 28 matches overall - down from 32.
The winner of SWPL 2 will be promoted and the team finishing last in the SWPL will be relegated, with an extended play-off system introduced.
Single tie games involving positions two to four in SWPL 2 and the team in ninth in the SWPL will determine the set up for the next campaign.
The play-off match and automatic promotion/relegation between SWPL 2 and SWF’s Championship remains unchanged throughout.
The SWPL board approved the changes immediately after Wednesday's annual general meeting.