Sunday, May 3, 2026

Report: NWSL Expanding League With Three New Franchises

  • NWSL is in late stages of talks to add teams in Utah, San Francisco, and Boston.
  • The first two teams will begin play in 2024, with San Francisco launching at a later date.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman is likely following through on her previous promise to expand the National Women’s Soccer League.

The NWSL is in the late stages of discussions to add teams in Utah, San Francisco, and Boston, according to a Wall Street Journal report. 

The first two teams will begin to play in 2024, with San Francisco launching at a later date.

The Boston and San Francisco teams would pay hefty entrance fees of about $50 million each.

NWSL

NWSL Increases Salary Cap, Focuses on Reform and Growth

The NWSL has increased its salary cap by 25%.
January 13, 2023

On the other hand, the Utah team will pay between $2-5 million as part of a previous agreement.

Ownership groups feature star-studded casts — the Bay Area team includes Aly Wagner, Brandi Chastain, and other women’s players. The Boston team has funding from Jennifer Epstein, daughter of Celtics co-owner Robert Epstein.

The news comes on the heels of a year of ups and downs for the league. It was rocked by a sexual misconduct scandal but also grew in popularity.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.

Caitlin Clark Calls Out Indiana Fever Graphic Made With AI Tools

The NHL’s Jets and Blues also use AI in their content.

Elizabeth Williams Explains Why WNBA Players Drew Line on Housing

Williams recently re-signed with the Sky for two years, $1.2 million.

USL Announces Tentative New CBA After Player Protests

Players protested by stopping play during matches this season.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
AUSL Golden Ticket

‘Golden Tickets’ Could Juice AUSL College Draft

The ticket ensures players will be selected by a team in May.
April 30, 2026

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.
April 30, 2026

Max Verstappen’s Future Looms Over F1’s Return to Miami

F1 returns after a monthlong hiatus due to two canceled races.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.
April 30, 2026

7 Questions About LIV After Saudis Pull Funding

LIV’s 2026 season is scheduled to run through August.
April 30, 2026

MLS Says Commissioner Was Hacked Amid Whitecaps Fight

The team has been for sale since late 2024.
April 30, 2026

Saudi PIF Confirms LIV Exit; League Creates New Exec Board

The league is searching for new investors to try to survive.
April 29, 2026

Reports Reignite Talk of Saudi PIF’s LIV Golf Exit

The Saudi PIF will not fund LIV after the 2026 season.