Wednesday, May 6, 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

Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.
Peter Schmeichel
exclusive

Danish Legend Peter Schmeichel Joins Fox World Cup Coverage

Schmeichel played goalie for Denmark in four World Cups.

Europe’s Soccer Giants Keep Winning—and Are Cashing In

The Big Five leagues of European soccer are again led by financial giants.

Featured Today

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
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.
May 1, 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.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks with his team Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men's basketball tournament national championship game against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Dusty May Draws Interest From Multiple NBA Teams

May coached Michigan to the national title in April.
May 4, 2026

WNBA Slightly Raises Technical, Flagrant Foul Fines for 2026 Season

The league will also fine players for flopping.
May 5, 2026

LIV CEO Says League’s Value Lies in the Teams As Saudi Era Nears End

The league is looking for new investors in its 13 teams.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026

Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri To Replace Nico Harrison

Ujiri was the general manager of the Raptors’ 2019 title team.
May 4, 2026

PGA Tour’s Two-Track Future on Display in the Carolinas This Week

Tournaments are taking place in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
May 4, 2026

LIV Turns to Investment Bank With Sports Ties As PIF Exit Looms

The league is searching for new investors after the Saudi PIF pulled out.
May 3, 2026; Austin, TX, USA; Dallas Wings guards Azzi Fudd (35) and Paige Bueckers (5) at the start of the second half against the Las Vegas Aces at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026

Azzi Fudd Won’t Be Fined After Questioning WNBA Officiating

Fudd said she was “confused” about the WNBA’s officiating.