Arsenal Women midfielder Olivia Smith is poised for a significant second season as the 2026-27 Barclays Women’s Super League gets underway this week. The Canadian international, one of the biggest transfers in women’s soccer last year, will be central to Arsenal’s title ambitions in a newly expanded 14-team league, as reported by CBS Sports.
The Gunners finished a strong second in the final 2025 table, amassing 51 points from 15 wins, six draws and just one loss across 22 games. Their recent form of WWWDW saw them end the campaign just four points behind champions Manchester City W, having scored 53 goals and conceded only 14 for a commanding +39 goal difference.
How did Olivia Smith perform in her debut season?
Smith made an immediate impact after her high-profile move. Across 20 appearances last term, she started 15 games, contributing five goals and three assists before a head injury limited her involvement in February. Her dynamic play quickly established her as a key component of the Arsenal midfield.
"The Canadian international captured headlines last season as one of the biggest transfers in women's soccer and had an immediate impact for the club," Smith said of her own adaptation. Her return to full fitness is a major boost for manager Jonas Eidevall as he finalises his squad for the new campaign.
What is new for the WSL this season?
The 2026-27 season marks a major structural shift, with the WSL expanding to 14 clubs for the first time. Promoted sides Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, and Charlton Athletic join the top flight, increasing the total number of matches to 183. This expanded format offers more opportunities for drama and competition across the standings.
Broadcast coverage has also grown significantly. Most important+ will live stream every single one of those 183 matches, the most ever made available for the competition. CBS Sports Network will air one match per week, with select fixtures also shown on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, bringing the league to a wider audience than ever before.
Who else will be important for Arsenal's title challenge?
While Smith is a focal point, Arsenal's strength lies in a deep and talented squad. Striker Alessia Russo remains a consistent goal threat, while Spanish playmaker Mariona Caldentey adds creativity and experience. Defender Emily Fox provides stability and attacking width from the back.
The collective quality of these players, combined with the team's impressive defensive record from last season, forms the foundation of their title push. You can track their individual contributions throughout the year on our stats page.
Where does the season start for Arsenal?
The new season kicked off on Friday, setting the stage for a compelling nine-month race. Arsenal will look to close the narrow gap to Manchester City and challenge Chelsea for supremacy. "For the top clubs in WSL, there will be far too many players to choose from, but for Arsenal, I'm excited to see what Olivia Smith can do in year two with the club," Smith added, highlighting her personal ambitions within the team's objectives.
With a full preseason behind her and a landmark broadcasting deal ensuring every game is accessible, Smith and Arsenal Women begin their quest to convert last season's strong runner-up finish into a championship. Their first fixtures of the new campaign will be important in setting the tone.
