London City Lionesses have been promoted to the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history after clinching the Women’s Championship title.
The Bromley-based side drew 2-2 with second-place Birmingham on the final day of the season to seal their spot in the WSL for the 2025/26 season and the title.
They will replace fellow south London side Crystal Palace, who have been relegated from England’s top women’s league.
It will be a first appearance in the WSL for London City, who were formed in 2019 after breaking away from Millwall to set up a new team as a separate entity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Isobel Goodwin cut in and let loose to score a screamer and put London City Lionesses ahead in the Women’s Championship decider against Birmingham City
Isobel Goodwin’s stunning solo effort from long range and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s goal were enough to seal their ascension to the WSL on the afternoon, despite Birmingham battling back through Emily van Egmond’s effort and So-Hyun Cho’s late volley.
They have competed in the Women’s Championship for the last five seasons and their promotion represents a stark turnaround from the 2023/24 season, when the Lionesses finished eighth. They had finished second and third in the two previous campaigns.
It is another success too for Michele Kang, who has been described as ‘the first tycoon of women’s football’.
The businesswoman purchased the club in December 2023, and is also the owner of NWSL side Washington Spirit and eight-time Women’s Champions League winners Lyon.
All three clubs are managed under her company, Kynisca Sports International, which offers the teams a centralised capability to share science, technology, scouting and staffing development.
Jocelyn Precheur (right) was appointed as London City Lionesses manager last summer
Kang’s intention to make London City a success in England was perhaps best demonstrated last summer, when the club signed Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani – who has previously represented Man City and Real Madrid – and appointed former PSG boss Jocelyn Precheur.
The club will now look to compete in the WSL and avoid an immediate return to the Championship like Bristol City and Crystal Palace have done for the last two campaigns.
Sky Sports to remain home of women’s football with historic deal
In October, Sky Sports announced a historic five-year partnership with the Women’s Professional League, securing the rights to show nearly 90 per cent of all Women’s Super League matches from the 2025/26 season.
Sky will broadcast 118 matches from the WSL every season, up more than three times the number of games currently, with 78 fixtures shown exclusively. With over 75 per cent of first picks plus all matches from the closing weekend exclusive to Sky, women’s football fans are guaranteed more of the best matches week in, week out from England’s top flight.
The new partnership also gives Sky the option to show matches from the Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the final. This brings both competitions onto Sky platforms for the first time.
Sky Sports will continue to commit marketing spend, production budget and promotion across its market-leading platforms to increase viewing and fandom for the women’s game. That includes dedicated social media content across Sky Sports’ WSL TikTok and Snapchat accounts to extend the WSL’s reach to even more fans.
For instant, contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership.
Free match highlights from every WSL game this season can also be watched across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, including the website, app and YouTube channels.
