Shootouts & regional split for new-look League Cup

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that the Women’s League Cup is being rebranded as the Players Cup and will move to a new league-based format for the 2026-27 season. The competition will feature 23 clubs from the Women’s Super League and WSL 2, with matches regionalised into Northern and Southern sections while still feeding into a single overall table.

Under the revised structure, clubs not involved in the Women’s Champions League will play between September and December on European match nights. Each team will have six fixtures, three at home and three away, against opponents from its region. Wins will be worth three points, while games level after 90 minutes will go straight to penalties: the shootout winner will receive two points and the losing side one.

The BBC says the top eight teams will advance to January’s quarter-finals, with higher-ranked clubs earning home advantage. The semi-finals will also be single-leg ties hosted by the higher seeds, and the final is planned for a neutral venue on the weekend of 13-14 March. Fixtures are due to be released on Thursday, 6 August.

The changes follow a vote by WSL and WSL 2 clubs last November, aimed at easing scheduling pressures and supporting player welfare. Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are excluded because of Champions League qualification, meaning the holders and the only previous winners of the competition will not take part. BBC Sport notes the format is intended to give more competitive minutes to players at clubs outside Europe and will guarantee a first-time winner.