• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 2, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

NWSL Commish Expects ‘5-10’ Bids for Expansion Teams

  • The NWSL is looking to add two teams to its 12-club roster by 2024.
  • Commissioner Jessica Berman expects “five-to-10 official bids.”
NWSL-Commissioner-Jessica-Berman-Champions-Trophy
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

As the deadline to submit bids for an NWSL expansion franchise approaches, there’s no shortage of interested investors.

The NWSL is looking to add two teams to its 12-club roster by 2024, and commissioner Jessica Berman said over the weekend that she expects “five-to-10 official bids” after the Nov. 4 deadline following interest from 82 groups.

There may already be a frontrunner. When David Blitzer and Ryan Smith purchased MLS’ Real Salt Lake earlier this year — reportedly for nearly $400 million — the deal included a reported $2 million option to revive the Utah Royals, which dissolved in 2020. 

  • Kansas City Current owner Angie Long recently said the next team’s owners could pay “upwards of $50 million” in expansion fees.
  • A decision on expansion franchises will be announced in early 2023.

Berman added that findings from the NWSL misconduct investigation didn’t turn away interest.

“We need people around the table who are willing to face down the challenges that women face in society and are willing to do the hard work to solve those challenges in the NWSL,” she said.

Primetime Players

If investors weren’t already convinced of the league’s growing popularity, they‘re sure to be now.

Saturday’s NWSL Championship game between the Portland Thorns and the Kansas City Current — the first in primetime — drew in 915,000 viewers, a 71% year-over-year increase.

The league’s 10th season, which set multiple league attendance records, reportedly outperformed MLS’ 10th season by 43% in playoff attendance.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.

Comcast’s Olympic Gold: Paris Games Spark Surge in Peacock Subscribers

Company revenue and Peacock subscriptions rise thanks to a big Olympics boost.

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

EverBank Stadium will have reduced capacity in 2026 and be closed in 2027.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First-Ever 12-Team CFP Takes Shape

0:00

Featured Today

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
FuboTV signage
opinion
October 26, 2024

Fubo’s Fight Against Streaming Giants Feels Futile

Fubo notched a legal win, but subs and stock still slump.
October 25, 2024

Inside The Wall at L.A. Clippers’ New $2B Home

FOS went inside the “contagious” energy at the L.A. Clippers’ Intuit Dome.

Everyone Wants In on the WNBA Expansion Gold Rush

There are 10 to 12 cities interested in a WNBA expansion team.
Oct 31, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in game four to win the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
October 31, 2024

Dodgers Winning Formula Blends Underdog Spirit With Big Dollars

Team officials point to an “opportunistic” mindset as it overcame numerous injuries and setbacks.
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) works around New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center.
October 31, 2024

Unrivaled Expands While Keeping Seat Warm for Caitlin Clark

The women’s basketball league is adding six roster spots to bring the total to 36.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts to scoring a touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
October 31, 2024

Here’s Every NFL Team Linked to Private Equity Investments

The NFL gave the O.K. in August for PE firms to buy up to 10% of a franchise.
October 30, 2024

Money Well Spent: Dodgers Top Yankees in World Series

The financially robust MLB club wins its first full-season league championship since 1988.
Nick Dunlap of Tuscaloosa, Ala., tees off on the 18th during the third round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
October 30, 2024

PGA Tour Could Get More Exclusive Under Proposed Rule Changes

This is the latest move to consolidate more prize money and rankings points.
October 30, 2024

Yankees Stay Alive, but N.Y. Ticket Prices One-Third of L.A. Rates

Prices remain way down for the final World Series game at Yankee Stadium.