• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

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

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.

Nationals Hit Reset Button, Oust Rizzo and Martinez Before Draft

The MLB club made major leadership changes just days before the draft.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump speaks with Dana White (left) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.

UFC Confirms Talks to Bring Fight to White House Grounds

Discussions are underway to bring a UFC event to the White House grounds.
Michael Johnson
July 3, 2025

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
July 4, 2025

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 2, 2025

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.
Red Panda
July 2, 2025

Red Panda Hospitalized After WNBA Halftime Fall

The beloved performer was taken off the court in a wheelchair.