Wednesday, July 29, 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

Jul 25, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Team Spoon center Jonquel Jones (35) holds the All Star MVP trophy during the 2026 WNBA All Star Game at United Center.

WNBA All-Star Game Draws 3.2 Million Viewers

Caitlin Clark missed last year’s game, but was healthy this year.
Jul 25, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Team Spoon guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives the ball in the second half against Team Coop during the 2026 WNBA All Star Game at United Center.

WNBA Players Call for More Rest Time After All-Star Weekend

Players have complained about the post-All-Star schedule for years.

FIFA Planning $20B Commercial Arm to Increase World Cup Profits

The move requires approval of a majority of FIFA members.

World Cup Exit Spurs U.S. Soccer Push to Fix Pay-to-Play

Conversations about U.S. talent pipeline are moving from criticism to solutions.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/28/26 – 76ers’ Huge TV Boost, UNC GM Investigation, Stanford’s Unionization Process

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Shaq Dunkman League

Could Shaq’s Dunkman League Revive the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

The dunking league is hopeful to eventually work with the NBA.
July 28, 2026

NFL’s Next Commissioner: 11 Possible Roger Goodell Successors

NFL owners eventually will need a successor to Roger Goodell, just not yet.
Aug 22, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Fans gather at the 15th tee during the quarterfinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
July 28, 2026

LIV Golf to Cancel $40M Season Finale in Michigan

LIV Michigan had been scheduled for Aug. 27–30.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses the launch of Champions Fund and how he navigated the business world after football
Jun 28, 2026; Cromwell, Connecticut, USA; 18th green during the final round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John Dufour-Imagn Images
July 28, 2026

PGA Tour Unveils First Championship Series Events for 2028 Revamp

The top-tier events will include purses of at least $20 million.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

Why football is a powerful brand stage in sports, and how to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
July 27, 2026

Packers Say Other NFL Teams Have An ‘ATM Machine’ They Lack

The NFL team reiterates it will not sell the Lambeau Field naming rights.
July 27, 2026

LIV’s Future Faces New Questions As Finale Appears in Doubt

LIV has three more events scheduled in August.