The NWSL hopes to see 16 groups within the league in simply three years. League Commissioner Jessica Berman, chatting with the Washington Put up, sees constant growth over the subsequent three years.
A few of these are already confirmed. The Utah Royals are returning to NWSL play for the 2024 marketing campaign. The aspect final performed in 2020. Nevertheless, it folded in after membership proprietor Dell Loy Hansen relinquished possession of the membership. Becoming a member of the Utah Royals a 12 months after, the 14th staff goes to be within the San Francisco Bay Space. Traders laid out a $53 million plan to convey an expert girls’s staff to that space.
“We do count on, for the 2026 season, so as to add two extra groups,” Berman stated. “That course of will start later this calendar 12 months. Now we have an unbelievable quantity of curiosity from certified buyers.”
Berman added that NWSL growth to 16 groups is only the start of the place the league sees itself. Keep in mind, the league solely began in 2013. Simply since 2020, NWSL added or revived groups in Kansas Metropolis, Los Angeles, San Diego and Louisville.
“Regardless that our valuations have elevated in a significant approach, we’re nonetheless early within the course of by way of our progress and the place we predict this league goes to be in 5 to 10 years,” Berman stated.
No indication of the place NWSL can attain 16 groups
The 2 groups nearing their debut have areas. Granted, that is just one 12 months away for Utah and two for the Bay Space. Nevertheless, Berman didn’t present any hints as to the place the 2 different groups, bringing the NWSL tally as much as 16 squads, could find yourself.
Nevertheless, these potential buyers may look to NWSL’s previous. For instance, the Wall Avenue Journal named Boston as a possible vacation spot. The Boston Breakers had been a part of the primary batch of NWSL groups upon the league’s inception. Nevertheless, Boston folded earlier than the 2018 season.
Different areas could possibly be associated to MLS golf equipment. Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Minnesota and Philadelphia are only a handful of choices. Additionally, going to Canada with Toronto or Montreal, each of which have MLS groups, could possibly be an possibility.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
