The Barclays Women’s Super League enters an exciting new chapter as the 2026-27 season kicks off this Friday. Fourteen clubs will compete across the newly expanded league, with CBS Sports and Paramount+ providing comprehensive coverage of all 183 matches—the most extensive broadcast offering in the competition’s history.
CBS Sports Network will feature one match per week, while select fixtures will also air on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
As the WSL expands to 14 teams for the first time, three clubs have earned promotion from WSL 2: Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, and Charlton Athletic. With an abundance of talent distributed across the rosters, identifying standout performers presents both a challenge and a compelling narrative for the season ahead.
Below is a player to watch from each club, listed alphabetically.
Arsenal – Olivia Smith
Among the league’s elite clubs, selecting just one player proves difficult, but Olivia Smith’s second season with Arsenal generates particular anticipation. The Canadian international arrived as one of the most significant transfers in women’s football last campaign and made an immediate impression, featuring in 20 matches with 15 starts, contributing five goals and three assists before a head injury curtailed her involvement in February.
Other notables: Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey, and Emily Fox
Aston Villa – Kamilla Melgard
While veteran England international Rachel Daly anchors the squad, considerable excitement surrounds recent signing Kamilla Melgard. The 20-year-old Norwegian is among several Scandinavian additions brought in during the transfer window to bolster the attack following Kirsty Hanson’s departure. Her adaptation to the league’s intensity could prove pivotal for Villa’s season.
Other notables: Rachel Daly, Amalie Vangsgaard, Noelle Maritz
Birmingham City – Lee Geum-Min
Having earned promotion from WSL 2, Birmingham City faces a demanding transition to top-flight football. South Korea international Lee Geum-Min brings invaluable experience from previous spells at Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Her technical prowess, work rate, and movement could generate opportunities both for herself and her teammates.
Other notables: Lisa Naalsund and Mille Turner
Brighton & Hove Albion – Emilie Joramo
While Fran Kirby remains one of the league’s most recognizable figures since joining in 2024, considerable attention will focus on new arrival Emilie Joramo. The Norwegian midfielder joined from Hammarby on a free transfer. Establishing quick defensive cohesion with centre-back Gabby George could prove essential to Brighton’s competitiveness.
Other notables: Madison Haley, Fran Kirby, Gabby George
Charlton Athletic – Emily van Egmond
Following a dramatic promotion via a penalty shootout victory over Leicester City, Charlton Athletic embarks on their inaugural WSL campaign. Several players will experience top-flight football for the first time, but Australian international Emily van Egmond offers invaluable expertise accumulated across the WSL, Frauen-Bundesliga, and NWSL. Her leadership will prove crucial throughout the season.
Other notables: Sophie Whitehouse and Jodie Hutton
Chelsea – Alyssa Thompson
Winger Alyssa Thompson arrived at Chelsea twelve months ago and emerged as a key figure for a club navigating injuries and player departures. As a U.S. women’s national team member, her second WSL campaign carries significant implications for potential World Cup selection. Expectations remain high for a standout performance.
Other notables: Lauren James, Lucy Bronze, Katie McCabe
Crystal Palace – Bethany England
The third newly promoted club seeking to establish themselves in the WSL, Crystal Palace secured a statement signing in Bethany England. The former Tottenham striker should anchor their attacking ambitions and provide focal point quality in the final third.
Other notables: Molly-Mae Sharpe and club captain Aimee Everett
Everton – Holly McNamara
Few clubs in the league’s middle tier carry greater expectations following their latest acquisition. Holly McNamara arrives after consecutive Golden Boot achievements with Melbourne City in Australia’s W-League. Everton will anticipate her translating that prolific form to WSL competition.
Other notables: Megan Finnigan and Courtney Brosnan
Liverpool – Sara Agrez
Liverpool entered the transfer market seeking defensive reinforcement following the departures of Gemma Evans and Gemma Bonner. Slovenian defender Sara Agrez arrived from FC Köln in the Frauen-Bundesliga. At 25 years old with 50 international appearances, manager Gareth Taylor will depend on her to solidify the backline.
Other notables: Fuka Nagano and Lily Woodham
London City Lionesses – Alexia Putellas
Identifying a single standout player proves challenging given London City Lionesses’ active transfer window, but Alexia Putellas stands out clearly. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner represents the summer’s marquee signing. Her adaptation to English football will attract considerable interest.
Other notables: Nicole Anyomi, Kadidiatou Diani, and Mary Earps
Manchester City – Bunny Shaw
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw ranks among the most clinical finishers in the game. The reigning league top scorer presents a strong candidate to retain that distinction. Her role as Manchester City’s central striker has become fundamental to their attacking philosophy.
Other notables: Sam Coffey, Jade Rose, and Yui Hasegawa
Manchester United – Maya Le Tissier
Maya Le Tissier has emerged as one of the league’s premier central defenders and represents Manchester United’s defensive cornerstone. Combining intelligence, positioning, and game-reading ability, Le Tissier offers reliability and leadership. Her aerial threat on set pieces adds another dimension, and new manager Eva Olid will depend heavily on her quality.
Other notables: Layla Drury and Rebeca Bernal
Tottenham Hotspur – Kirsty Hanson
Scottish international Kirsty Hanson departs Aston Villa after an impressive campaign, finishing as the league’s third-highest scorer with 12 goals from 22 appearances. She reunites with former Manchester United teammate Marin Ho, providing Tottenham with a dangerous attacking threat as they aim to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish.
Other notables: Shekiera Martinez and Victoria Pelova
West Ham United – Kelly Gago
West Ham faces a significant void following Shekiera Martinez’s move to Tottenham, prompting the club to secure Kelly Gago as a fresh attacking option. The France international offers ideal qualities for counter-attacking football with her ability to shrug off defenders.
Other notables: Manuela Pavi and Riko Ueki
