• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 16, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gabby Thomas Says Grand Slam Track Did ‘Too Much, Too Fast’

Michael Johnson’s high-profile track start-up filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
Fiebich

Project B Tokyo Stop Could Conflict With Proposed WNBA Start Date

The WNBA is seeking a much earlier start in CBA negotiations.
Nov 22, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) looks to pass against Gotham FC during the second half at PayPal Park.

NWSL Union Files Grievance Over League’s ‘Rodman Rule’ for Star Players

The NWSLPA says the league “never negotiated” the workaround with the union.

Unrivaled Faces Stiff Challenges As Ratings Plunge to Start Year 2

Ratings are significantly down from the league’s first year.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Jan 25, 2012; Melbourne, AUSTRALIA; A general view of Rod Laver Arena during the match between Novak Djokovic (SRB) and David Ferrer (ESP) on day ten of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Australian Open’s Rising Popularity Also Brings Growing Pains

As attendance soars at the tennis major, so have fan complaints.
Jan 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the first half at Intuit Dome.
January 15, 2026

Clippers Suddenly NBA’s Hottest Team As Cap Investigation Continues

The Clippers have the NBA’s best record since Christmas.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver attends the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena.
January 15, 2026

Silver Says NBA Europe Won’t Be ‘Viable Commercial Enterprise’ for a While

He also addressed EuroLeague’s legal warning, saying a clash is not “inevitable.”
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 15, 2026

Alex Morgan Leads Investor Group for Women’s Indoor Golf League

The former USWNT soccer star is expanding her sports portfolio.
Bryson
exclusive
January 15, 2026

NFL, PGA Tour Won’t Let Players Endorse Prediction Markets

The leagues aren’t swayed by Kalshi’s deal with Bryson DeChambeau.
Phil Mickelson of Team HyFlyers GC hits off the fifth tee during the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship semifinals at The Cardinal at St. John’s in Plymouth on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
January 14, 2026

LIV Golf Envisions $1B Franchises, but Not Ready to Sell Ownership Stakes

There are 13 four-player LIV Golf teams.
Jan 13, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; A general view of Court 3 during the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
January 14, 2026

Australian Open Lands a Hit With 1 Point Slam

Australian amateur Jordan Smith won $668,500.