The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is entering its most ambitious phase yet. During her annual season kickoff address in New York on Wednesday, Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed that the league expects to award its 18th franchise later this year, with the team set to debut in 2028.
The Road to 18 Teams
The announcement clarifies the league’s expansion roadmap following the addition of Atlanta as the 17th franchise (slated for 2028) in November 2025. By awarding the 18th slot in 2026, the NWSL is prioritizing a “long runway” for new ownership groups to build infrastructure and branding.
- Candidate Cities: While no city has been finalized, several “serious” contenders have emerged. The Haslam family (owners of the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew) is exploring a bid for Columbus, Ohio. Other cities previously in the mix, such as Cincinnati and Cleveland, remain high on the league’s radar.
- Rolling Process: The league has abandoned arbitrary deadlines in favor of a “rolling expansion process,” allowing teams to join when their ownership and facilities are deemed “ready.”
- Market Value: Expansion fees have hit record highs, with Arthur Blank’s Atlanta group paying $165 million—a far cry from the single-digit millions seen just five years ago.
2026: A Historic Kickoff
As the league looks toward 2028, it is also celebrating immediate growth. The 2026 season begins this weekend (March 13), expanding the league to 16 teams with the arrival of the Boston Legacy and Denver Summit.
The excitement in these new markets is already shattering records:
- Denver Summit: The team has sold over 50,000 tickets for its home opener at Mile High Stadium on March 28. This is set to be the highest attendance for a professional women’s sports game in U.S. history.
- Boston Legacy: The club is expecting over 25,000 fans for its debut at Gillette Stadium.
Future Media Rights and Growth
Berman noted that 2028 will be a “synonymous” year for the league, marking both the expansion to 18 teams and the start of a new media rights deal. The current cycle has successfully prioritized “reach and discoverability,” with matches appearing on CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and the recently added FAST network, Victory+.
With a “dozen or so” ownership groups currently in talks, Berman hasn’t ruled out future growth, previously suggesting the league could eventually reach 32 teams.