Sheffield United Women have, today, retained their Women’s Super League 2 status, the Football Association have confirmed. 

This announcement follows a restructure around the women’s football pyramid, with the news that Barnsley Women and Blackburn Rovers will withdraw their status from their respective leagues due to financial reasons. 

Sheffield United had finished bottom of the WSL 2 last season, but have previously met the necessary requirements to be a tier two affiliated club. 

Blackburn Rovers’ withdrawal on 20 May meant second-tier Sheffield United and third-tier Burnley, who pledged full-time status, would fill the vacancy left by Blackburn, but the Blades will earn a reprieve and retain their WSL 2 status for another season. 

The Blades endured a tough season at Bramall Lane, finishing bottom of the league on seven points from 20 games, tallying just one win all campaign. 

A restructure in the women’s league circuit means that Blackburn Rovers would be able to re-join a league at least two tiers below their former WSL 2 status. 

Sheffield United endured a tough start to their campaign, with only two contracted players at head coach Ash Thompson’s disposal. 

This news indicates that there will be 12 teams competing in WSL 2 for the 2025/26 season, contrasted to the previous year where 11 teams competed in the competition following Reading’s withdrawal last summer. 

This league restructure follows this morning’s news that Barnsley FC Women will be withdrawing their women’s side for financial reasons, with owner Neerav Parekh indicating that “funding does not trickle down sufficiently into the Women’s National League.” 

Barnsley finished their season eighth in the Division One North last season, with uncertainty surrounding their league status for the 2025/26 campaign.