Chelsea Women will face a new-look League Cup in the 2026/27 season as the WSL rebrands the competition as the Subway Players Cup. The revamped tournament introduces a Swiss-style format designed to prioritize player welfare, with the Blues finishing 3rd in the 2025 WSL season with 49 points from 22 games.
How will the new format work?
The Subway Players Cup will feature 23 clubs across two stages: a League Phase and a Knockout Phase. Chelsea Women will play at least six matches before the knockout rounds begin, with results feeding into a combined league table. Matches ending in a draw will go straight to penalties, with the winner awarded two points and the loser one.
Why the change matters for Chelsea Women
The new format aims to manage player workloads better, with UEFA Women’s Champions League clubs like Chelsea Women no longer competing. This decision reflects the WSL’s commitment to player welfare, especially after a demanding 2025 season where the Blues scored 44 goals and conceded 20.
What’s next for Chelsea Women in the cup?
Chelsea Women will begin their Subway Players Cup campaign in the League Phase, with the top eight clubs advancing to the quarter-finals in January 2027. The final is scheduled for 13-14 March 2027, offering a new domestic challenge for the Blues as they look to build on their 2025 WSL form.
