Manchester City Ladies "will compete in the top flight of the women's game for the first time in their history," according to the BBC. The Women's Super League "has been expanded into two tiers of eight and 10 teams" beginning in '14, an increase from the previous single division of eight. Two-time English league winners Doncaster Rovers Belles "will play in the second tier as part of the change." The FA "hopes that the introduction of two tiers will increase competition and grow the game in more areas." The governing body "will part-fund teams in the semi-professional WSL," awarding £70,000 ($108,000) to clubs in WSL1 and £25,000 ($38,700) in WSL2. Manchester City currently plays in the Premier League, but "will feature in the top flight" with reigning champions Arsenal, Birmingham City, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, Everton, Notts County (formerly known as Lincoln Ladies) and Liverpool beginning next season. The second tier will comprise of Aston Villa, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham, London Bees (Barnet FC), Millwall Lionesses, Oxford United, Reading, Sunderland, Watford and Yeovil Town (BBC, 4/26).
