The WSL League Cup has been rebranded as the Players Cup after years of debate over its format and competitive integrity. Previously, WSL and WSL 2 clubs were split into northern and southern groups, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City given byes into the quarterfinals due to UEFA Women's Champions League participation. Only three clubs have ever lifted the trophy. This year, all three are ineligible under a new rule excluding teams playing in Europe, opening the field but ending any chance of a Quadruple.

The new format borrows from the Swiss-style system used in the Women's Champions League, featuring a single league table where the top eight advance to a knockout phase. Fixtures follow a north-south regional split to limit midweek travel. Each team plays six matches between September and December, three home and three away.

A key twist: drawn games go straight to penalty shootouts rather than extra time, with the winner earning two points and the loser one. The top eight then enter quarterfinals in January, seeded first versus eighth. However, the fixture allocation is uneven — Everton faces two WSL and four WSL 2 opponents, while London City Lionesses meet three from each division.