Wednesday 13 December 2017 16:51, UK
Brighton Women are among 10 clubs who have been offered licences in Tier 1 of the FA WSL from the 2018/19 season.
A minimum of two further spots will become available through next year's open tender as the top tier of women's football expands to up to 14 teams.
All of the teams currently playing FA WSL 1 will be part of Tier 1 from next season, barring Sunderland Ladies who confirmed last month they will not be applying for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 licence in the first wave of applications.
Seven clubs who already play in FA WSL 2 have made successful applications to become a part of the new second tier from 2018/19, with a minimum of five further places available to new applicants.
Clubs who wish to submit an application as part of the open application phase must do so by March 9 2018.
Brighton Women, who are currently fourth in FA WSL 2, will play at Crawley Town's home stadium from next term.
"I am overjoyed with the announcement, as this will allow the club to realise its aim of playing at the very highest level," Brighton manager Hope Powell said.
"I have previously said that achieving Tier 1 status is the next logical step for us in our long-term plan, and I would like to thank everyone inside and outside of the club for their support."
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber told the club's website: "This is absolutely fantastic news, and is testament to the hard work from everyone at the club in ensuring we had the best-possible application to present to the FA."
The new restructured women's football pyramid is designed to create an elite performance environment. Top tier clubs must commit to having full-time professional playing staff and deliver a minimum of 16 hours of daytime contact per week.
They must also offer a range of player welfare services and provide detailed marketing and commercial plans to ensure the growth of the women's game.
Second tier clubs will operate as semi-professional basis.
Tier One clubs from 2018/19: Arsenal, Birmingham City Ladies, Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Bristol City Women, Chelsea Ladies, Everton Ladies, Liverpool Ladies, Manchester City Women, Reading Women, Yeovil Town Ladies.
Tier Two clubs from 2018/19: Aston Villa Ladies, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham Women, London Bees, Millwall Lionesses, Sheffield FC Ladies, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.
