SUBWAY EXTENDS WSL FOOTBALL PARTNERSHIP AS LEAGUE CUP REBRANDS

Subway has agreed a multi-year extension of its partnership with WSL Football, with the competition formerly known as the Subway Women's League Cup rebranding as the Subway Players Cup from the 2026-27 season. The renewal coincides with a significant overhaul of the tournament structure, designed to prioritise player welfare and increase playing opportunities across women's professional football.

The Subway Players Cup will adopt a Swiss-style league format during the group stage, with regionalised fixtures guaranteeing participating clubs a minimum of six matches. The three clubs competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League will no longer participate in the tournament. The redesigned competition aims to provide additional competitive minutes for young and fringe players, particularly those at clubs not involved in European competition. Zarah Al-Kudcy, Chief Revenue Officer at WSL Football, stated the rebranding reflects the competition's renewed focus on placing players at the centre of its identity and development strategy.

The overhaul addresses what WSL Football describes as disparity in playing opportunities across the leagues whilst managing player workload within an increasingly congested calendar. The partnership renewal demonstrates Subway's continued investment in women's football at the domestic level in England.