Tuesday, April 21, 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

Nelly Korda takes part in the first round of the 2025 CME Group Tour Championships at Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

LPGA Season Kicks Off With First Major—and a $60K Plunge Pool

The Chevron Championship tees off Thursday in Houston.

NWSL Will Add Its 18th Team in Columbus

The league wanted to award another expansion team for 2028 this year.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.

Featured Today

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.

NBA Coaching Carousel Could Shake Up College Basketball

Dusty May and Todd Golden could get NBA coaching looks.
Jan 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) speaks at a press conference introducing him as the next head coach of the Steelers as general manager Omar Khan (right) listens in at PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium.
April 21, 2026

New NFL Draft 8-Minute Rule Has GMs Planning Differently

Before 2008, teams had 15 minutes between first-round selections.
April 21, 2026

NFL Rookie Deals Will Top $50M for the First Time Since 2010

This year’s top pick will make nearly $55 million.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 20, 2026

Premier League Title Race Tightens With Big Money on the Line

The Stan Kroenke-controlled club is now in a tight battle for the league title.
Seattle Torrent @ Vancouver Goldeneyes at Pacific Coliseum
April 20, 2026

How PWHL’s Gold Plan Takes Tanking Off the Table

The system determines which team earns the top PWHL draft pick.
April 19, 2026

LIV Golf Moves On to Trump D.C. Event After Rocky Week in Mexico

Jon Rahm won the $4 million first-place check at LIV Mexico City.
April 19, 2026

Caitlin Clark Prioritizes Health As WNBA Banks on Her Availability

The Indiana Fever star played in just 13 games last season.