Monday, November 9, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WTGL Has ‘Surreal’ Debut as Newest Women’s Sports League

Michelle Wie West starred in Los Angeles Golf Club’s win.
Dec 15, 2025; Cary, NC, USA; Washington Huskies goalkeeper Jadon Bowton (1) holds up the National Championship trophy after the Huskies win the championship in overtime at First Horizon Stadium

Colleges Overwhelmingly Oppose Men’s Soccer Calendar Change

Enough schools voted against the fall-to-spring calendar to block the NCAA’s proposal.

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 10, 2026 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. reacts during the second set of her semi final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka

WTA Takes Responsibility for Livestream of Pegula’s Hot Mic

Jessica Pegula called Mirra Andreeva a “diva” during a livestreamed practice.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/9/26 – Russini Makes Her Return, Press Secretary Dana White?, Kolek Retracts Swift Diss

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Security officers secure the area as U.S. Vice President JD Vance plays golf at Trump Turnberry golf course, during his holiday, in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, August 14, 2025.

Turnberry’s Wait for Open Championship Extends to Next Decade

The next available date is now 2030 with Carnoustie selected for 2029.
November 6, 2026

LIV Golf Creditors Face $100M in Claims, Just $2M to Split

The unsecured creditors committee is scheduled to meet next on Nov. 20.
November 8, 2026

NFL Teams Turn to Bargain Backups With High-Priced QBs Out

NFL teams will have used 47 starting quarterbacks through 9 weeks.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
November 6, 2026

How the Risk-Averse NFL Learned to Love Trades

The NFL once was practically a no-trades league. 
Aug 23, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Bryson DeChambeau tees off on hole 11 during the final round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.
November 5, 2026

LIV Golf Is Shutting Down, Lawyers Confirm in Bankruptcy Hearing

The Saudi PIF spent more than $5 billion on LIV since the league launched.
LPGA golfers pose for a photo during WTGL Media Day at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on September 20, 2026.
First at FOS
November 5, 2026

WTGL’s First Season Will Pay Players $11M in Prize Money

Individual player payouts will be tied to team finish and player participation.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
November 4, 2026

LIV Golf’s $300M BC Partners Credit Deal Is Off

LIV has its next bankruptcy hearing on Thursday.