Champions League clubs to sit out Women's League Cup next season as Swiss-style format planned

A new plan will exclude Champions League teams from the Women's League Cup next season, adopting a Swiss-style league format and regional fixtures to ease schedules and protect players.

The Women’s League Cup is undergoing a major makeover as organizers plan to relieve a crowded calendar and safeguard players. The proposal, backed by clubs after a wide-ranging consultative process, would see changes rolled out for the 2026-27 season, subject to Football Association approval.

Under the current structure, teams from the top two divisions compete in the League Cup. With the Women’s Super League expanding to 14 teams next season, the competition’s field would grow further, making the reform timely and necessary.

Central to the plan is removing Champions League participants from the League Cup, a move aimed at reducing the total minutes logged by players who also compete at Europe’s top level. The Champions League itself has expanded to 18 teams this season, bringing more matches and greater scheduling pressure.

How the new format would work

Officials propose replacing the current group-stage format with a Swiss-style league system. All teams would be ranked in a single table, with fixtures arranged regionally to cut travel time and costs, while the knockout phase would remain intact: the top eight teams would advance to the quarterfinals.

League Cup fixtures would be scheduled on the same nights as Champions League games, helping clubs coordinate midweek calendars and fans follow both competitions more easily.

The reforms followed a WSL-led, comprehensive consultation process that included a competition working group with club representatives and the Football Supporters’ Association.

Impact and next steps

If confirmed, the changes would streamline schedules, cut excessive midweek fatigue, and place a renewed emphasis on domestic competition. Clubs will await final Football Association sign-off before any changes take effect.

Key Takeaways

Champions League clubs would not participate in the League Cup next season to ease fixture load.
The League Cup would switch from a group stage to a Swiss-style league table with regional fixtures.
The top eight would still progress to the quarterfinals, with matches slated on CL nights.
The WSL’s expansion to 14 teams aligns with the reform, pending FA approval.

Expert view

Expert comment: The proposal aims to protect player welfare and simplify scheduling, which could benefit clubs and fans alike. Its success hinges on effective implementation and formal FA approval.

Summary

The Women’s League Cup is set for a significant reshuffle, prioritizing player welfare and calendar management amid the growth of the WSL and European competition. If approved, the new Swiss-style format would offer a cleaner, regionally balanced league phase while preserving a knockout finale.