The ScottishPower Women’s Premier League (SWPL) is getting ready to start its fourth season! This year, the league is split into two divisions of ten teams each. This year’s SWPL 1 has two fewer clubs than last season, down from 12 to 10. At the same time, SWPL 2 adds two more teams, increasing the competition in both leagues. Prepare yourself for an exciting grassroots campaign! The teams placed 7th through 12th in SWPL 1 will engage in their own contest across ten more games, but the bottom four only have to face six additional challenges.
Hibernian, fresh from their first league championship win in 18 years, will start their title defense against Aberdeen. The team sealed the trophy by beating Rangers at Ibrox, completing one of the greatest seasons in the club’s proud history. The anticipation for this season is unreal! SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre was equally enthusiastic to discuss the upcoming fixtures.
“The launch of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League fixtures is one of the most hotly anticipated days of the year, as clubs, players, coaches and fans get their first glimpse of what lies ahead in the new season.” – Fiona McIntyre
Fixture Highlights
Here’s a look at some of the marquee matchups on opening day, Sept. Celtic will welcome their bitter rivals, Rangers, to Parkhead, while Hearts will face Hibernian in another much-anticipated fixture. Furthermore, on the other half of the pairings, Motherwell meet Hamilton Accies, and newly relegated sides Dundee United and Queen’s Park will clash in Dundee.
The University schedule has taken the hit directly, making changes due to non-conference competitors. One notable change is that the first meeting between Hibernian and Glasgow City has been rescheduled to October 1 because of the Women’s Champions League qualifiers. Little has been decided between these two teams, who meet each other again on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 — making this season even more dramatic.
“After yet another dramatic end to last season in both divisions, there’s a growing level of anticipation and excitement around fixture publication day and the upcoming campaign, as the SWPL enters into its fourth season.” – Fiona McIntyre
Competitive Landscape
Ahead of the league’s fourth season, McIntyre spoke to how the culture, competitive balance and infrastructure of the SWPL has developed. The 2025/26 season will introduce a thrilling new league format! It will include two leagues of ten teams, including a split and a longer play-off format in SWPL 2.
“The 2025/26 season will see a new league format introduced for the first time. The key changes see a move to two leagues of 10 as well as the introduction of a split and an extended play-off system in SWPL 2. We believe these changes will help deliver two extremely competitive and entertaining divisions.” – Fiona McIntyre
Additionally, the SWPL has had six unique league champions in only three years. One thing’s for sure, it has solidly proven itself to be the most competitive league across all of Europe. The uncertainty has left fans both satisfied with what they’ve received and full of curious anticipation for what lies ahead.
“With six different league winners in the last three years across both divisions, the SWPL has become one of the most entertaining and competitive leagues in Europe, already gaining a reputation for final-day drama. We anticipate another compelling season as clubs battle to finish in the top six and fight to avoid relegation in both leagues.” – Fiona McIntyre
Fan Engagement
As opening day gets closer, McIntyre encouraged fans to make a commitment to their hometown teams and catch a game. She highlighted the role grassroots engagement plays, making the perceived surrounding excitement of top tier football all the more intoxicating.
“We can’t wait to get the new campaign under way and I would encourage as many fans as possible to play their part by getting along to a SWPL match on the opening day to see elite football delivered locally in what we anticipate may be the best season of SWPL action yet.” – Fiona McIntyre
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