What's happening in WSL2: Birmingham top, but Sunderland turning heads
Every two weeks, The Cutback gets you up to date with the big stories in England's second tier
We are three games into the 2025-26 Barclays Women’s Super League 2 season, here is your snapshot of the season so far.
For the first time, all 12 teams are fully professional, a landmark moment for the second tier of women’s football. This season also marks a return to the WSL2 brand after the league was renamed from the Championship.
There are two new sides joining the league this year, following the promotion of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town at the end of last season.
However, at the top, it is the established big-hitters Birmingham City that have been setting the pace at the top of the table, scoring freely with a 5-0 win over Bristol City and 4-0 against Newcastle, as well as a 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
Second in the table, Sunderland edged past Durham 2-1 on derby day last weekend. Head coach Mel Reay praised her side’s composure, saying after the game, “We spoke about having more quality in the final third, and that’s what we did in the second half.”
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, who were relegated from the WSL last season, have made some big summer signings with Justin Vanhaevermaet and Kirsty Howat both scoring in their first win of the season against Nottingham Forest last Sunday.
Sheffield United and Ipswich Town are the only sides yet to win this season, and they will hope to turn that around this weekend. Sheffield United take on Birmingham while Ipswich Town face Portsmouth.
Memorable Moments
Isibeal Atkinson scored on her debut in Sunderland’s 4-0 win over Sheffield United.
Newcastle United’s fans have been making themselves known to their new signings. Oona Sevenius, who joined from Rosengard FC, said, “I think we have the coolest fans. I feel like we have that pressure to win games and show that we deserve their support.”
Standout performances
Sunderland’s Emily Scarr is off to a flying start and is the top scorer in the WSL2 so far. She has three goals so far, scoring in each of her sides’ matches this season.
News
Despite sitting bottom of the table, Ipswich Town are spotlighting their journey with a new three-part YouTube documentary, Town Rising, chronicling last season’s promotion push.
Crystal Palace have signed Ireland international Ruesha Littlejohn on a one-year deal following her departure from Shamrock Rovers this summer. She arrives with an 18-year career in the women’s game and will add a great level of experience to the club.
Bristol City’s chief executive Gavin Marshall, who has guided the club since the pandemic, will step down at the end of October.
What’s on this weekend
Two big storylines stand out in WSL2 this weekend: Birmingham City look to continue their free-scoring momentum away at Sheffield United, while Southampton host Sunderland in a clash of early contenders that could shape the top of the table.
With the season only three weeks old, WSL2 is already proving why full professionalism is making this league even more competitive and entertaining. The storylines are only just beginning.