Tottenham Hotspur Women will compete in a radically reshaped domestic cup this season as the WSL introduces the Subway Players Cup with a Swiss-style league format. The North London club, who finished 5th in the 2025 FA WSL table with 36 points (11W-3D-8L), now face a new challenge in the revamped tournament.
What is the new tournament format?
The Subway Players Cup replaces the traditional Women’s League Cup, excluding the top three English clubs in European competition. All 23 WSL teams will play six midweek matches-three home and three away-in Northern and Southern regions, with results feeding into a unified league table. Wins earn three points, while draws trigger penalty shootouts, awarding two points to the winner and one to the loser.
Why does this matter for Tottenham Hotspur Women?
The new format increases the stakes for every match, with penalty shootouts ensuring high drama. Tottenham, who scored 35 goals and conceded 38 last season, will need to adapt quickly to secure a top-eight finish and advance to the knockout phase. The Lilywhites, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City W, see this as a chance to claim domestic silverware.
What comes next?
The fixture list will be announced on August 6, with the group stage running through the fall. The top eight teams will progress to the quarterfinals in January, followed by semifinals in February and the final in March. Tottenham’s fans believe their squad has the quality to lift the trophy this season.
