The WSL 2 included one team promoted from the FA Women's Premier League for the first time.
The season started on 23 March and Chelsea were the defending WSL 1 champions.
Manchester City won their first ever WSL 1 championship on 25 September 2016 with a 2–0 win over Chelsea.
Bristol Academy were relegated from the WSL 1 last season and renamed Bristol City, while Sheffield became the first team to be promoted to the WSL 2 from the FA Women's Premier League.
The FA WSL Cup format was changed to a true knock-out tournament.