The UEFA Women's Champions League features 18 teams and 54 games in the league phase, with the top 12 advancing. The final is set for May at Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw between May 28-30.

ESPN's panel of 10 reporters ranked the field, and Barcelona top the Power Rankings entering Matchday 1 on Sept. 22. Barcelona have won four of the last six UWCL titles, including last season's. Despite losing four starters from last season's final — Alexia Putellas, Ona Batlle, Mapi León and Salma Paralluelo — Barcelona remain favorites, promoting from within and adding Manchester City forward Kerolin. They still boast three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, with Ewa Pajor, Caroline Graham Hansen and Clàudia Pina in attack.

OL Lyonnes rank No. 2, receiving four first-place votes. They lost to Barcelona in last season's final but showed their threat with a 7-1 win over Paris FC, featuring a hat trick from Ada Hegerberg. Caroline Weir joined from Real Madrid, and USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes continues to improve. Barcelona face Arsenal on Nov. 11 in what could be the league phase's standout match.