Preliminary talks have been held over the possibility of Celtic and Rangers joining the Women’s Super League, with reports claiming that a move is being explored.

The Times report that the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, who took ownership of the WSL and the Women’s Championship in August, have held exploratory conversations as part of a plan to try and expand the Women’s game. It is also added that there is also talks going on around the WSL becoming a ‘closed league’

Talks are, however, at an early stage with the Scottish Women’s Premier League and the Scottish FA yet to be approached about any arrangement. The latter would have to agree to any move, which could be difficult, while there is also a two-season notice period for leaving the league, meaning the earliest it could happen would be the start of the 2027/28 season.

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What would it mean for the WSL?

The inclusion of Rangers and Celtic in the WSL would most likely see the league expand from the 12-team league it currently is to a 14-team league. There is, however, a suggestion that the change could see the league become a closed one ad proposals in the past have claimed that it would encourage investment into teams due to the threat of relegation being eliminated.

The format would be akin to the same one used in America. It’s in place in the National Women’s Socer League, but is not something that is used a lot in British sport, with jeopardy and sporting integrity often preferred.

What has been said

Speaking about the potential of Celtic and Rangers joining the English league, Celtic Women’s head coach Elena Sadiuku said: "It is a tricky question. When it comes to that question, we can say that competing against Arsenal, Chelsea - it is a different level.

"Is it nice to play against those teams? Yes.

"But like I said, I think we are doing just fine in Scotland right now. We're competing and we're trying to make sure we're dominating here.

"That's what we need to focus on right now. How can we get better, how can we make sure we're the best team in Scotland? That's the only focus that I have."

Ranger’s head coach Jo Potter also gave her thoughts ahead of the meeting between the two side in the Sky Sports Cup semi-final, a game which Rangers came out as 2-1 winners.

"I feel like the set-up at Rangers is perfect for what we're doing because that's where we are right now,” she said. “I'm not too sure what will happen in the near future, or if anything does happen.”

Patricia Gregory, a trailblazer for women’s football, has backed the move. “I would think it’s good,” she said after receiving an OBE for services to national and international Association Football and to charity.

“I’m still in touch with my opposite number from the 1970s in Scotland, and I know that they had even more difficulties. When we played the first International on the 18th of November 1972 up in Scotland, the Scottish FA had still not recognised the women, and they didn’t for another couple of years.

“So I would think anything that helps it around has got to be good.”

The difference to men’s football

In men’s football, the idea of Celtic and Rangers joining the Premier League from the Scottish Premiership is one that is often talked about. After all, the two clubs are the dominant force in their league in men’s football.

The last time a team other than Celtic or Rangers won the league was back in 1985, when Aberdeen lifted the title. This year will mark 40 years since it was last achieved.

The current table shows a 10-point cushion between Celtic and Rangers at the top, and third placed Dundee United. But it isn’t the same story in Women’s football.

Sitting at the top of the Women’s Scottish Premier League currently is Glasgow City. A team with no association with a men’s team, and who won the league 14 times in a row between 2008 and 2021. They are five points clear of Rangers in second.

Hibernian and Hearts then sit in between Rangers and Celtic, who are in fifth place. They are just one point behind their Old Firm rivals but do have a game in hand.

In reality, the top tier of Women’s football is a lot more competitive then the men’s side. One of five teams still harbour hopes of lifting the title this season with just six points seaparting them.

Would it be good for the Women’s game?

Financially, moving Celtic and Rangers to the WSL could provide a monetary boost to the league. There would be a big interest in games that will see them come up against the biggest teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City, but in terms of sporting integrity I think it would only harm the game.

The proposal for a closed league reminds me of the failed European Super League move back during the Covid-19 times. The idea of picking a choosing teams to compete in a closed league, where there is no risk of relegation, doesn’t seem right.

While this may not be on the same scale, it has a similar feeling to it. Just because Celtic and Rangers will create the interest in the WSL, it’s like the achievements of Glasgow City as well as Hibernian and Hearts, who are all competing for the Scottish title this season, is just completely overlooked.

The decision to break up what probably is one of the most competitive leagues could also be a disaster for Scottish football. The interest after the emergence of Rangers and Celtic in the women’s game since becoming professional will only add to the competitiveness, and hopefully the growing interest in the league.

Taking that away to then build what would be a closed off league that wouldn’t allow for either promotion or relegation is something that shouldn’t be done. The whole idea of jeopardy in English football is the threat and joy of relegation and promotion, taking that away from any aspect of the game would be a massive mistake.