Charlton and Leicester meet Saturday in the inaugural WSL play-off at The Valley, with promotion to England's top women's league on the line. The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, determines the final spot in next season's expanded 14-team competition. Charlton earned their shot by finishing third in WSL2, while Leicester fight to retain their WSL status after finishing bottom with just nine points.

The play-off stems from the WSL's expansion from 12 to 14 teams, designed to increase competitiveness and provide more promotion opportunities. Crystal Palace and Birmingham secured automatic promotion, leaving this single-elimination match to decide the third entrant. Katie Keane, Leicester's 19-year-old goalkeeper, faces her biggest test yet after rapid rise through the ranks, making her debut just weeks ago.

Both clubs carry rich histories but contrasting recent fortunes. Charlton, FA Cup winners in 2005, haven't played WSL football since 2008. Manager Karen Hills, a member of that 2005 cup-winning side, seeks to restore the Addicks to the top flight. Leicester's Rick Passmoor took charge mid-season after Amandine Miquel's departure, inheriting a squad that lost their final 11 matches.

Charlton enter with nearly two weeks rest after their May 2 season finale, while Leicester's preparation window spans six days. Hills brings proven promotion experience from Tottenham, whereas Passmoor faces his first major final as permanent manager. The winner claims a place in the 2026/27 WSL alongside automatic promotionists and the second-place play-off qualifier.