![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Morgan_Brian_-_Midfielder%2C_Houston_Dash_%2821028766876%29.jpg/220px-Morgan_Brian_-_Midfielder%2C_Houston_Dash_%2821028766876%29.jpg)
The expansion of the National Women's Soccer League began with the league's sophomore season in 2014, when the league expanded to a ninth team in Houston, and is an ongoing process that currently has seen five expansions, three direct or indirect relocations, and one contraction. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was established as the top level of professional women's soccer in the United States in 2013 in the wake of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA, 2001–2003) and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS, 2009–2011).
On May 10, 2023, league commissioner Jessica Berman announced the league's intent to expand further to 16 teams in 2026.[1]
Summary
As of May 2023, the NWSL consists of 12 teams with 12 separate ownership groups, with two teams approved for expansion in 2024.[1] Of those 12 teams, seven are considered expansion teams either through net-new expansion (Houston Dash, Orlando Pride, Racing Louisville FC, Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC) or the wholesale relocation of assets from a dissolved team (North Carolina Courage, from the Western New York Flash;[2] Kansas City Current, from Utah Royals FC[3]).
An eighth expansion team, Utah Royals FC, was formed in 2018 and dissolved in 2020.[4] It is reconstituting as one of the two net-new expansion teams scheduled to begin play in 2024.[5]
Season | Teams |
---|---|
2013 | |
2014 | |
2015 | |
2016 | |
2017 | |
2018 | |
2019 | |
2020 | |
2021 | |
2022 | |
2023 | |
2024 |
Membership timeline
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/l06v63g8v8hvb2zar1ritixkxoizeao.png)
Role of men's teams
Many interested ownership groups are associated with existing men's soccer teams, often from domestic men's leagues Major League Soccer (MLS) or United Soccer Leagues (USL). Five NWSL ownership groups also run men's teams:
- Houston Dash (MLS Houston Dynamo, since its founding as an expansion team in 2014)
- Orlando Pride (MLS Orlando City SC, since its founding as an expansion team in 2016)
- North Carolina Courage (USL North Carolina FC, since its founding as an expansion team via relocation of Western New York Flash in 2017)
- Racing Louisville FC (USL Louisville City FC, since its founding as an expansion team in 2019)
- Seattle Reign FC (MLS Seattle Sounders, since 2024)
Another original team, FC Kansas City, was initially owned by the same group running the Missouri Comets of the Major Arena Soccer League, but was sold to new independent ownership in January 2017[6] before folding in November of that year.[7]
FC Kansas City was replaced by Utah Royals FC, another team with MLS ownership (Real Salt Lake) before controversy forced its ownership out, and a new independent expansion team in Kansas City acquired the team's assets.[4][5]
Portland Thorns FC (MLS Portland Timbers, since its founding in 2013 until it was sold to a different ownership group at the end of 2023.
The team now known again as Seattle Reign FC was named OL Reign from 2020-2023 and was owned by OL Groupe, owners of French Ligue 1/Division 1 Féminine clubs under the Olympique Lyonnais brand.[8]
History
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Sunil_Gulati.jpg/220px-Sunil_Gulati.jpg)
Formation and original eight teams
When the NWSL was first announced on November 21, 2012, by United States Soccer Federation (USSF) president Sunil Gulati, the number and location of the original teams was the only finalized detail; the league's name and logo were not yet confirmed. Gulati announced that the league would have teams in Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, Western New York, New Jersey, Portland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.[9] Four of the teams - the Western New York Flash, Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, and Sky Blue FC (in New Jersey) - moved to the new first-division NWSL from the now-defunct Women's Professional Soccer league, while the other four teams were new franchises,[10] though the Washington Spirit had been founded as D.C. United Women of the USL W-League.[11]
Two of the new teams had established ties to men's professional soccer teams: Portland Thorns FC was affiliated with and owned by the same ownership group as Portland's MLS team, the Portland Timbers[12] and FC Kansas City was affiliated with and owned by the same group running the Missouri Comets indoor soccer team.[6]
Early expansion: 2013–2016
Initial expansion prospects
The eight teams chosen for the first season came from a pool of twelve interested ownership groups. Soon after launch, the league reportedly planned to expand to ten teams for 2014.[13] Potential candidates included groups not accepted as part of the original eight; groups from the Los Angeles area[14] and from Hartford, Connecticut[15] were confirmed failed bids, as was one from the Seattle Sounders Women. After the 2014 NWSL season, none of these four ownership groups were still in the expansion picture.
There was speculation that the Vancouver Whitecaps Women could be logical candidates especially given the WWC 2015 in Canada; however, the Whitecaps cancelled their women's program (except for one U-18 academy team) in December 2012.[16]
Connecticut Courage (2012–2014)
An ownership group, previously attempting to join Women's Professional Soccer for the 2012 season, had existed in Hartford, Connecticut, for a year at the time of the announcement and had attempted to join the initial list of teams for the NWSL.[15] The team was intended to be named the 'Connecticut Courage', and would have played at Dillon Stadium. Former general manager of the WPS side Philadelphia Independence, Terry Foley, had accepted a position with the expected Connecticut team, whose owners had not been publicly announced.[17] Seattle Reign FC won the bid, and no Hartford team joined the league. The team had also sought to join via expansion in 2014 but was not accepted.[18]
Los Angeles (LA/Pali Blues, 2013)
The first Los Angeles bid for an NWSL team was a joint effort from the LA Strikers and Pali Blues, two of the strongest USL W-League teams. The LA Strikers had a working agreement with MLS side Chivas USA, and the Pali Blues were one of the winningest W-League teams ever, with two titles and four playoff appearances in five seasons at the time, having already included many future WPS, USWNT, and NWSL talent. While being a merger of two strong, already-semi-pro teams in the second-largest US market, the bid was declined reportedly for geographical concerns.[14]
Pali Blues won the 2013 W-League championship, then officially merged with LA Strikers and won the 2014 title as well. However, after the 2014 season, the LA Strikers' MLS partner Chivas USA folded, and the Pali Blues ownership folded the W-League team shortly after to focus on its men's USL Pro side instead.[19][20]
FC Indiana (2013)
FC Indiana was one of the strongest Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) sides, and had competed in WPSL Elite along with eventual NWSL sides Boston, Chicago, and Western New York. While there was no official confirmation, the team's website suggested that they were one of the 12 original NWSL bids.[21]
Team owner and then-Haitian WNT coach Shek Borkowski later suggested that the CFU could subsidize an NWSL team similar to the subsidization already supplied by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Canada Soccer Association (CSA), and Mexican Football Federation (FMF).[22]
FC Indiana moved from WPSL to United Women's Soccer in 2016 for that league's sophomore season.[23]
Houston Dash (2014)
During the inaugural season, there was confirmed interest from the WPSL side Houston Aces.[24] However, the league announced during the 2013 NWSL playoffs in August that there would be no expansion for the league's second season.[25]
During the 2013-2014 offseason, the Houston Dynamo added their name to the list of MLS teams interested in fielding a women's side, stating that they were "exploring the opportunity" of starting an NWSL side in 2014 or 2015,[26] and in December 2013 they announced that the Houston Dash would join the NWSL in 2014.[27] By early December, the NWSL approved the Dynamo-run Dash for expansion in 2014 despite their earlier statement that there would be no expansion for the league's second season.[28]
In the wake of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, then-commissioner Jeff Plush expressed plans to expand to 14 by the year 2020.[29]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Orlando_Pride_Home_Opener.jpg/220px-Orlando_Pride_Home_Opener.jpg)
Orlando Pride (2016)
After the media boom of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, MLS side Orlando City SC entered the expansion picture. A fan blog reported the owners openly discussing their inability to comment on the issue, essentially giving an answer "without an answer being given",[30] which OCSC followed the next day with a press release supporting women's soccer and their Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) side while stopping short of stating positively or negatively about potential NWSL expansion.[31]
On October 20, 2015, the NWSL announced that Orlando would host the 10th NWSL team, the Orlando Pride, due to start the 2016 season. At that announcement, the Pride announced that they had hired former U.S. National Women's Team coach Tom Sermanni.[32]
Days later, the Pride traded with Portland Thorns FC for U.S. national team forward Alex Morgan — Orlando City SC had previously acquired Morgan's husband, Servando Carrasco — and Canadian national team midfielder Kaylyn Kyle, in exchange for rights to U.S. national team defender Meghan Klingenberg (via the Houston Dash and Seattle Reign FC), the first overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, an international roster spot for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, and the rights to U.S. national team midfielder Lindsey Horan.[33][34] This was the most notable trade in NWSL history at the time it was made.[35] and its execution was reportedly a factor in the Pride joining the league in 2016 rather than waiting for a future season.[33]
Growing pains: 2016–2018
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/NCFCps-084.jpg/220px-NCFCps-084.jpg)
Western New York Flash to Cary, North Carolina (2017)
Steve Malik, owner of North American Soccer League (NASL) club Carolina RailHawks, also expressed interest in establishing a NWSL side and initiated talks with the league in May 2016.[36] In December of that same year, the RailHawks organization prematurely released press announcements of their rebranding to North Carolina FC, as well as intentions to establish expansion franchises in MLS and the NWSL.[37] A few days later on December 6, the club officially announced its pursuit of an NWSL team, with a goal of establishing one within the next six months.[38]
Instead of creating an expansion franchise in the NWSL, North Carolina FC acquired the rights to the 2016 NWSL championship-winning Western New York Flash.[39][40] While the Flash's 2016 attendance was their second-best in their NWSL history and fifth-most out of the ten 2016 NWSL teams, the Flash had much lower attendances their previous two seasons and were not close to filling Rochester Rhinos Stadium. Then-owner Joe Sahlen's daughter Alex Sahlen had played for the team from its inception in 2009 until missing time in 2014 for pregnancy, and was also the club's president; her husband Aaran Lines had coached the team from 2009 through the 2015 season before resigning in part to spend more time with his family.[41][42] The Flash also had a public debacle in 2016 when they hosted the Seattle Reign FC in a baseball stadium's outfield on a pitch much narrower than FIFA guidelines, drawing negative national media attention to the league.[43][44][45] The league subsequently fined the Flash, with Joe and Alexandra Sahlen apologizing for the incident's damage to the league's reputation.[46]
The Flash and North Carolina FC announced the sale and relocation on January 9, 2017, fewer than three months after the Flash won the 2016 NWSL championship, with the relocated team to be renamed the North Carolina Courage. In their official statement, the Sahlen family claimed that "the Western New York market is not the right fit for the NWSL and the future direction of the league".[47][48] Malik had previously purchased the trademark for the original Carolina Courage franchise from the defunct Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA),[49] and the lioness on the WUSA team's crest is featured on the NWSL team's crest.[50]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/FC_Kansas_City_v_Orlando_Pride_%2827290553071%29.jpg/220px-FC_Kansas_City_v_Orlando_Pride_%2827290553071%29.jpg)
FC Kansas City effectively to Salt Lake City, Utah (2017)
At a press conference in September 2014, Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen mentioned RSL expanding the club to include professional minor league and women's teams, in addition to the pro major league and amateur women's teams they already had. RSL's interest in the NWSL was officially confirmed in November, with the NWSL team intended to share a new stadium (and likely a name) with the USL Pro side Real Monarchs SLC.[51][52] While the stadium deal initially looked promising, it fell through at the original location of the Utah State Fairpark in early February 2015. The team chose a new stadium location in West Valley City by early March, with meetings between RSL and the NWSL moving forward.[53] In 2016, the Real Salt Lake Women joined United Women's Soccer in 2016 for its inaugural season.[54] While the organization still expressed interest in a future move up to NWSL, such a move no longer appeared to be imminent;[55] in contrast, the USL Monarchs started play in 2015 with the team's training facility (which includes a 5,000-seat stadium) opening in August 2017,[56] still with no overt interest from RSL or NWSL in pursuing a Utah franchise at the time.
Meanwhile, the original owners of NWSL two-time champions FC Kansas City became mired in an e-mail scandal during the 2016-2017 offseason, ultimately causing the ownership group to split up[57] and the team to be sold to Minnesota-based businessman Elam Baer.[58] However, Baer and his management team were largely absent, causing FCKC's attendance figures to dissolve, and at times the team did not meet league minimum requirements for roster payroll or away-game traveling contingents.[57] This led to extensive behind-the-scenes discussions of selling FCKC once again, which led to five-year head coach Vlatko Andonovski finally leaving the club in October.
After previous talks with another Minnesota-based group and with Sporting KC both fell through,[59] Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen rapidly changed positions from not wanting to "promote" the RSL Women from UWS to agreeing to purchase franchise rights for a new NWSL team over the course of just 15 days, heavily influenced by discussions with Timbers/Thorns owner Merrit Paulson.[60] At the time of the announcement, there were no indications it was a direct relocation of FC Kansas City;[61] later that week, it was officially announced that Baer had sold FCKC back to NWSL to fold the team, at which point franchise rights went to Hansen, with the league ultimately transferring all player contracts to Salt Lake City as well.[62] Thus, while the team shuffle may appear to be a relocation, there was no direct sale of the team from Baer to Hansen. The new Salt Lake NWSL team, which did not replace the existing RSL Women, ultimately played in Rio Tinto Stadium.[63] On December 1, the new name for the Salt Lake NWSL team was announced as Utah Royals FC.
Pause in expansion (2017–2019)
In 2019, the league's then-president Amanda Duffy alluded that the league would take its time and focus on adding more quality teams:[64]
"We're really concentrating on the quality of the ownership, the quality of the market, the quality of existing facilities – both the match venue, training facilities — staff, infrastructure and the support in that market for soccer and women's soccer, in particular. So, the past year, we've been really trying to refine that process and refine what it is that we're looking for and what is the pace that we want to grow as a league? Because we're a strong league. We were strong at 10, we're strong at nine.
"If we all of sudden next year end up at 16 teams, how does that impact the quality of our competition and is that a pace that is sustainable and that we can still continue to operate with on a broader scale? Our efforts are very focused and specific to certain areas that we want to be strong for any team that's does come into the league that’s going to help propel us at the top and help to elevate the league."[64]
In December 2019, the league announced that it would remain at nine teams for the 2020 season, and added that it was in discussion with several potential ownership groups for more new franchises as early as the 2021 season.[65]
Return to Kansas City (2021), potential return to Utah
Following a player strike that caused the postponement of MLS matches on August 27, 2020, Royals owner Dell Loy Hansen expressed his disappointment in an interview with local radio station KXRK, also threatening to cease funding the club due to players declining to play in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake.[66] In the following days, articles in The Athletic and The Salt Lake Tribune documented multiple allegations of racist behavior in the larger RSL organization, prompting both MLS and the NWSL to open investigations. Hansen ultimately sold all components of Utah Soccer Holdings, including the Royals.[67][68][69][70]
As the ownership search for RSL came within a month of MLS' January 8 deadline with no clear opportunity, NWSL closed Hansen's franchise rights for Utah and added a new expansion team back in Kansas City, because the NWSL did not have finances for a backup option to run the Royals in the same manner that MLS could opt to run RSL for a year.[3][71][72] The new Kansas City ownership group consisted of Chris and Angie Long of Palmer Square Capital Management, and former soccer player Brittany Matthews. Journalist Grant Wahl, a former high-school classmate of Angie Long, put the Longs in touch with the NWSL.[73]
All player rights, draft picks, and other assets were transferred to the new Kansas City team in the same manner that FC Kansas City's assets were originally transferred to the Royals. NWSL and Utah Soccer Holdings announced that the new buyer for Utah Soccer Holdings would have the option to enter NWSL with the Royals branding as soon as 2023.[3][71][72]
Boston Breakers disbanded (2018)
Prior to the sudden disbanding of FC Kansas City, it was the Boston Breakers that were in discussion for Real Salt Lake to take over. The team never had a truly viable long-term home stadium and averaged over 3,000 fans for a full season only once in their NWSL history. The collapse of FC Kansas City coincided with the appearance of potential investors for Boston, though the investors were not certain to be ready in time for the 2018 season.[74]
On January 28, the NWSL announced the Boston Breakers would fold, and players would be distributed to the other franchises through a dispersal draft on January 30.[75]
Growth phase: 2019–present
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Lynn_Family_Stadium_-_March_2021.jpg/220px-Lynn_Family_Stadium_-_March_2021.jpg)
Racing Louisville FC (2019–2021)
In March 2019, discussions about Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, set to open in 2020 as the new home of USL Championship (USLC) side Louisville City FC, included mentions of plans for an NWSL team for 2021 or 2022[76] — notable due to the existing connection between the NWSL's then-president Amanda Duffy and the USLC side. Duffy had held three top-level positions within the club during her tenure at Louisville. By August, reports in soccer news sites The Equalizer and The Athletic suggested that Louisville was close to league approval to become its 10th team for the 2020 NWSL season.[77][78] However, this was later pushed back to 2021 because of Louisville City's concerns about its transition to the new stadium, with the 2020 expansion planned to go to Sacramento instead.[79][80] The Louisville franchise was officially announced on October 22, 2019,[81] and unveiled with the name "Proof Louisville FC" on November 12.[82] This was the first time that an NWSL team had been announced more than five months before its first game. However, fan backlash to the Proof Louisville name, and to the associated rebrand of parent club Louisville City FC, resulted in the ownership group rebranding the team as Racing Louisville FC and redesigning its crest.[83]
Angel City FC (2022)
After MLS side Chivas USA folded, the league awarded a new team to the Los Angeles area in 2014, whose ownership group included USWNT legend Mia Hamm, her husband Nomar Garciaparra, and Lakers legend and Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson. This caused some criticism of Hamm[from whom?] for investing in men's soccer before women's soccer, but mostly fueled speculation that the new MLS side would likely invest in an NWSL team as well, which Hamm commented "just makes sense".[84] When asked about the status of an LAFC NWSL team following the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hamm stated that the LAFC ownership group was focused on getting several years of experience with MLS revenues and expenses before committing to an NWSL team.[77]
In the summer of 2020, news broke of a new NWSL Los Angeles expansion talks[85] with some potential MLS involvement. LAFC denied[86] being the MLS side involved with this group, suggesting instead that the Los Angeles Galaxy (who already field a team in WPSL) as the potential operating partner. However, on July 21, 2020, the NWSL confirmed that it had awarded expansion rights to a group of investors to bring a team to Los Angeles, not including the Galaxy but including Hamm and her husband, targeting entry for the 2022 season.[87] No formal team name was announced, though the investment group coined itself "Angel City"[87] and has premptively registered a trademark for "Angel City FC". The investment group consisted of a variety of celebrities, including Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, and Eva Longoria, as well as Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and his wife, tennis player Serena Williams, author Glennon Doyle, and Casey Neistat.[87] Several former members of the United States women's national soccer team, including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, and Abby Wambach, were also involved in the effort.[87]
San Diego Wave FC (2022)
The San Diego expansion bid initially began as a joint venture between USL side Sacramento Republic FC, investor Ronald Burkle, and WPSL team California Storm before complications caused fracturing within the bid and a move to San Diego instead.
Sacramento Republic FC commented on Twitter several times in 2015 and 2016 that adding an NWSL side is part of their long-term plan.[88][89][90][91] Kevin Nagle, a part of the Republic's ownership group, further confirmed their interest in a women's team in November 2016 after the NWSL's commissioner at the time, Jeff Plush, identified California as a priority market for the league.[92] In 2019, it was reported Sacramento was in advanced discussions to join the NWSL in 2020, with ownership group being led by Sacramento Republic owner Kevin Nagle[93] with involvement from the California Storm WPSL team, who recently added USWNT legends Brandi Chastain and Leslie Osborne and Brazilian WNTer Sissi to their board of directors. However, the deal fell through, partially due to uncertainty surrounding the league in its late-year conflict with USSF concerning league operations, as well as unspecified issues with the Sacramento group. Despite those issues, Sacramento remains on the table as of July 2020.[94]
On January 12, 2021, commissioner of the NWSL Lisa Baird shared in a press conference that an expansion team in Sacramento would join the league in 2022, but that the team ownership would make the official announcement in due course.[95] No such announcement evercame, though, and it was eventually revealed that Burkle was pulling out of the Sacramento MLS bid.[96] The Sacramento NWSL bid team, though, had already been paying expansion costs to the league, and later requested to move its expansion rights to the San Diego market. On June 8, 2021, the NWSL announced that San Diego has been awarded an NWSL expansion team, owned by investor Ronald Burkle and led by team president Jill Ellis.[97]
Return of Utah Royals (2024)
Upon the sale and relocation of the original Utah Royals to Kansas City on December 7, 2020, NWSL and Utah Soccer Holdings announced that the new buyer for Utah Soccer Holdings would have the option to enter NWSL with the Royals branding as soon as 2023.[3][71][72] On January 5, 2022, Real Salt Lake was formally sold to a group led by David Blitzer, best known as a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and Crystal Palace, and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.[98][99] The same day in an interview with Salt Lake Tribune, Blitzer stated that "from our perspective, that's a function of when, not if" in regards to exercising the option to reestablish the Utah Royals in NWSL, per the agreement from 2020.[100] The next day the Utah Royals' social media accounts reposted his quote, the first time they had been active since the time after the team was initially sold and relocated in December 2020.
On May 13, 2022, Real Salt Lake's ownership was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101] On June 30, 2022, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman commented that any new teams would enter the league in 2024 at the earliest while expressing a desire to re-negotiate the fixed fee for re-activating the Utah franchise. That same day, ESPN reported that Utah Royals FC were expected to be one of two expansion teams for NWSL's 2024 season.[5] On January 27, 2023, it was reported that the NWSL would expand to Utah, San Francisco and Boston. The owners in Utah would pay $2–5 million, while the groups in San Francisco and Boston would pay $50 million. Utah and San Francisco would join the NWSL in 2024 and Boston would join the NWSL later, likely in 2026.[102]
Bay FC (San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, 2024)
Conflicting reports in 2014 and 2015 linked MLS's San Jose Earthquakes to a potential NWSL team.[103] However, Earthquakes president Dave Kaval stated in May 2016 that the Earthquakes were interested in bringing an NWSL side to San Jose but were waiting for the approval and completion of a training and academy complex in order to be capable of hosting a NWSL or USL side.[104] Kaval reiterated his previous comments on the NWSL in November, and added with regard to the training facility that "We’re in Week 20 in a 60-week process. Next summer they could certify the EIR (environmental impact report)."[105]
In January 2021, reports emerged of a new ownership group (unnamed former United States women's national soccer team players, separate from the Earthquakes) being interested in bringing NWSL to San Jose, with plans to play at the PayPal Park.[106] On May 13, 2022, an SF Bay Area bid was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101] On June 21, 2022, former United States women's national soccer team players Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner officially announced this bid to join NWSL branded as "NWSL to the Bay."[107][108] On January 27, 2023, it was reported that the NWSL would expand to Utah, San Francisco and Boston. The owners in Utah would pay $2–5 million, while the groups in San Francisco and Boston would pay $50 million. Utah and San Francisco would join the NWSL in 2024 and Boston would join the NWSL later, likely in 2026.[102]
The expansion was formally announced on April 4, 2023, with the expansion fee for both the Bay Area bid and a future Boston bid reportedly set at $53 million. Investment group Sixth Street Partners led the bid as the team's majority and controlling owners, with Sixth Street CEO Alan Waxman, former Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts, former San Francisco Giants executive Staci Slaughter, and former Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg among the club's announced board members.[109] Waxman would also represent the club on the league's board of governors.[110] The team's name, Bay FC, and logo were announced on June 1, 2023.[111]
Future expansion prospects
On May 13, 2022, sports journalist Grant Wahl reported that seven groups had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams: MLS ownership groups of Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake, and Toronto FC, as well as non-MLS ownership groups in MLS markets of Columbus and the San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose specifically).[101] At the beginning of 2022 Jeff Blitzer, the new lead owner of Real Salt Lake, had mentioned the club's intention of reestablishing Utah Royals FC in NWSL. The San Francisco Bay Area group formally announced their bid on June 21, 2022.[107][108] On June 30, 2022, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman commented that any new teams would enter the league in 2024 at the earliest. ESPN reported the same day that Utah Royals FC were expected to be one of two expansion teams to join NWSL for the 2024 season. This same report confirmed the interest of the seven groups Wahl had previously listed as well as added that MLS clubs Nashville SC and St. Louis City SC had interest in establishing NWSL clubs.[5]
In Berman's June 30, 2022, announcement, she noted the league had fielded interest from more than 30 investment groups.[5] In May 2023, the Boston Globe reported that 62 bids had engaged in due diligence with the league after Berman's announcement.[73] In May 2023, Berman announced plans to expand by two additional teams in 2026.[112]
Boston bid
Among the 2022 expansion bids was a group proposing a new NWSL team in Boston, led by Juno Equity founder Jennifer Epstein as controlling manager. While the bid was not accepted for expansion in 2024, reports by Sportico and The Wall Street Journal suggested the bid was still considered for future expansion.[109][73][113] The bid included Boston Globe publisher Linda Henry, co-owner of English Premier League club Liverpool F.C. with her husband John W. Henry.[114]
White Stadium renovation bid
In December 2022, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu suggested White Stadium in Franklin Park, Boston, as a possible venue for the team and voiced her support for the bid.[114] The east concourse had been destroyed in a fire, and the west grandstand was not up to modern building code.[115] In April 2023, Wu announced a request for proposals to update the stadium's west grandstand and lease the venue for ten years. The selected tenant would be responsible for maintaining the stadium, which would be owned by the city and operated by Boston Public Schools.[116][117] In May 2023, residents voiced concerns about the potential parking and traffic impact of more frequent events, and park users feared renovations or loss of access that would detract from the surrounding Franklin Park.[118]
On June 26, 2023, Epstein's Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC submitted a $30 million renovation proposal for the stadium, announced on July 8 as the only proposal submitted to the city's request. The proposal included expanding the stadium's capacity from 10,000 to 11,000, and creating a public plaza in an adjacent portion of Fraknlin Park. The City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners would each cover half of the cost under the proposal, with $10.5 million already allocated in the city's capital plan, and the proposal suggested the stadium would be renovated in time for the 2026 NWSL season.[119] Under the proposal, the stadium would not be available to an NWSL team as a full-time practice facility, retractable seating would be added to cover the running track for soccer matches, and the renovated stadium would rely on temporary mobile restrooms on matchdays.[120]
Denver campaign
In July 2023, an investment group named For Denver For Colorado (For Denver FC) and including former player Jordan Angeli, Major League Cricket marketing executive Tom Dunmore, and Ben Hubbard, CEO of supply-chain insurance firm Parsyl, launched a public campaign to bid for either an NWSL or USL Super League team in the Denver, Colorado market. The initial announcement did not identify any further investors or venues, and presented goals of attracting further investment by the end of 2023 to secure a bid and beginning play in 2026.[121][122]
Cleveland Bid
In July 2023, ownership group Cleveland Pro Soccer announced its intent to bid for the 16th NWSL expansion team, which would begin playing in 2026.[123]
Owned by Michael Murphy and Nolan Gallagher (formerly Gravitas Ventures), Cleveland Pro Soccer announced in November 2022 it would launch an MLS NEXT Pro men’s professional soccer team in Cleveland.[124] Sportico reported in December 2022 that Cleveland had also bid for the NWSL’s 15th expansion team, but was not selected.[125] Cleveland was one of the final four bids in 2022; the 15th expansion team went to NWSL Boston.
In October 2023, Cleveland Pro Soccer launched a campaign to bid for an NWSL team in Northeast Ohio.[126] The campaign is intended to demonstrate the strength of the Cleveland sports market and has received strong local support.[127]
A stadium announcement for Cleveland professional soccer teams, including location and seating capacity, is expected in 2024.[128]
Minnesota Aurora FC bid
As per the Community Owner Town Hall,[129] which occurred February 27, 2024, Minnesota Aurora FC intends on once again submitting a bid to become the 16th NWSL club in 2026. During the Town Hall meeting, front office officials acknowledged their intention on submitting another bid and confirmed that while more potential investment has been secured, the search for a principal owner remains ongoing.
After beginning play as a community owned team in 2022, the USL W League club has enjoyed wild success in its home market. The team has averaged +5600 fans per game in their two seasons and have gone undefeated in regular season play (23-0-1, 26-2-1 overall). The team has also secured a local broadcasting deal that has been very successful.[130] Aurora’s lowest attended season, 5600 in 2022, surpasses 67% of all historical NWSL team attendance averages, and surpassed two NWSL clubs in the most recent season of 2023.[131]
Minnesota Aurora FC submitted a 2024 NWSL expansion bid in 2022 while searching for a principal owner that met the USSF Division 1 ownership guidelines.[132] That bid was put on hiatus in December of 2022 as the timeline proved to be too short of a runway for the team to secure the necessary investment to join a professional league.[133]
St. Louis interest
In an interview in September 2023, Carolyn Kindle, chief executive officer of MLS side St. Louis City SC, stated that she and the other owners of the club were interested in bringing a NWSL franchise to St. Louis.[134][135] Kindle indicated that because of the robust youth soccer system in the area, and because demand for MLS tickets has outpaced supply, she believes a women's club in St. Louis would be well supported. St. Louis City SC is the first female majority-owned team in MLS. The ownership group has not made any public announcements regarding a formal bid for a NWSL franchise, with the league accepting bids in 2024 for their 16th club to begin play in 2026.
St. Louis last hosted professional women's soccer in 2010 when Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer folded. The St. Louis area is home to two successful NCAA Division I women's soccer programs at Saint Louis University and SIU Edwardsville. The St. Louis Craig League, which took place in the early 1950's, is recognized as the first organized women's soccer league in the United States.
Historical bids (not currently active)
2015–2019
In early 2015, six groups had expressed interest in gaining entry into NWSL, four of which were known - Real Salt Lake, the Indy Eleven, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and an independent group from Atlanta.[103] The other two groups were rumored to be western MLS clubs.[136][137] NWSL commissioner Jeff Plush stated that any potential expansion for 2016 would have to be announced soon after the April owners' meeting; the Atlanta group was the only publicly announced group interested in 2016 expansion, and when no announcement came from NWSL by May, it seemed 2016 expansion was dead.[138] However, the success of the United States women's national soccer team in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup renewed expansion talks, with the number of interested groups ballooning to twelve - more than the current size of the league.[139][140] The first result of this post-WWC boom was Orlando's expansion into the league for the 2016 season.
Several months after the NWSL announced the Orlando Pride's addition to the league, commissioner Jeff Plush suggested that the league was in varying stages of talks with a dozen different potential expansion groups, many of whom were from MLS organizations. MLS commissioner Don Garber stated in April 2016 that half of MLS teams could be running NWSL teams in the near future.[141]
Atlanta
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bids as of May 12, 2023.[142]
An investment group out of Atlanta went public in early January 2015 with its intent to bring an NWSL team to the city that has already seen two incarnations of professional women's soccer in WUSA and WPS - with a website already live and a stadium already decided.[143] While there was initial fan interest, many objected to the initially proposed name of the Atlanta Vibe, prompting the investment group to open a poll for the name, as was a survey for team colors.[144][103] The group eventually chose red and black for the team's identity, while the stadium was changed from Henderson Field at Grady Stadium to Silverbacks Park, but there had been no sign of any talk between the group and NWSL at that point, despite the fact that the group has been working toward NWSL expansion for over 18 months.[145][144] After the early-summer NWSL owners' meeting, it appeared that Atlanta was rejected for 2016 and would have to continue trying for future expansion.
In December 2016, rumors surfaced of another group reportedly trying to bring both NASL and NWSL teams to Atlanta.[146] The proposed team would play at a to-be-constructed facility in DeKalb County.[147] The group revealed itself in February 2017 as First Team SC and announced their proposal to play in the just-announced Atlanta Sports City complex in DeKalb County.[148] This included a scheduled announcement for April 2017, but First Team SC delayed that announcement indefinitely, citing "the landscape of American soccer changing dramatically."[149] Fans reported receiving surveys via e-mail concerning the ongoing efforts in December 2017 with the aim of a 2019 launch.[150]
FC Barcelona (2016–19)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023;[142] Los Angeles expansion team founded independently as Angel City FC.
In July 2016, FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu stated in an interview on Barça TV that he wanted to "create a team that can take part in the National Women's Soccer League".[151] The Spanish club was reportedly interested in establishing a NWSL side in New York, Los Angeles, or the San Francisco Bay area.[152] Barcelona's board approved plans to pursue an NWSL expansion team in May 2017, with a goal of launching the team as early as 2018 but no further details released to the public.[153] The expansion effort was ultimately pushed back to a 2019 launch date, with Barça zeroing in on Santa Monica, California as a potential location.[154]
Soon after, it was reported that FCB and LAFC were in talks to work together at bringing NWSL to Los Angeles. After years of talks, though, the prospect of a joint expansion effort fell through, with sources from NWSL stating that FCB's desire to keep their branding was a major reason for any expansion effort including FCB to be unlikely.[155] Concerns about requests for changing NWSL's international player rules were also said to be a sticking point.[156]
Canada (2016)
- Current status
- Multiple MLS teams publicly stated that they had no intention to start an NWSL team in 2016.[157]
On April 16, 2013, just after the NWSL's inaugural season began, The Equalizer interviewed NWSL commissioner Cheryl Bailey about numerous topics, including expansion. She responded to a question focused on Toronto and Vancouver by noting that there was considerable interest in longer-term expansion, but also interest in getting in early, ostensibly for the 2014 season, and said that the NWSL would start looking at expansion potential in Canada toward the later portion of the 2013 season.[158]
In July 2014, Peter Montopoli, general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association, suggested that the upcoming 2015 Women's World Cup offered an opportunity for the NWSL to expand to Canadian cities, with speculation that the expansion could even occur in time for the 2015 NWSL season.[159] However, in late August 2014, Bailey said there would be no expansion for 2015, citing the logistical challenges of scheduling the league around the Women's World Cup that might put off expansion until at least 2016.[160]
With high fan interest in Canada during and following the World Cup, the Whitecaps reiterated that there was "nothing imminent" in terms of the Whitecaps organization joining NWSL, making it highly unlikely that they were one of the then-dozen groups in discussion with the league concerning expansion.[161] At an end-of-season meeting with three Whitecaps supporters groups in 2016, the Whitecaps inquired about the prospect of a Vancouver NWSL team. Meanwhile, officials and spokespersons for Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact reiterated that their clubs had no intention of joining the NWSL.[157]
Dallas (2016)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023;[142] Dallas team announced in May 2023 as a founding club of the proposed competing top-division USL Super League.[162][163]
FC Dallas reinstated its WPSL team FC Dallas Women for the 2016 WPSL season, after having only fielded an ECNL side following a previous two-year stint in WPSL. While the team's coach Ben Waldrum suggested that an NWSL franchise should be a goal, he noted in June 2016 that there had been no directive from Hunt Sports Group to pursue one.[141][164]
SouthStar FC played in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) in its inaugural season in 2019. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. They will be playing in the 2021 WPSL Season. Their primary focus is growing Women's Soccer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth market and feels the NWSL would be successful here.[citation needed]
Indianapolis (Indy Eleven, 2015–2019)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023;[142] Indy Eleven-operated team announced in May 2023 as a founding club of the proposed competing top-division USL Super League.[162][163]
Indy Eleven, which moved from the NASL to the USL after the 2017 season and was previously led by ex-Chicago-Red-Stars GM Peter Wilt, expressed interest in an NWSL side in 2015, contingent on them getting a new soccer-specific stadium built for the Eleven with a target date in 2017.[103][165] The Eleven's inability to secure the stadium plan delayed Indianapolis NWSL expansion until 2018 at the earliest.[166][167] In 2019, the Indiana General Assembly passed a stadium bill for the Eleven, for the newly proposed Eleven Park. The developers have expressed interest in a potential Women's soccer team to play at the stadium.[168]
Miami
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023.[142]
Inter Miami CF owner David Beckham has voiced interest in adding an NWSL Miami side to his MLS club,[169][170] but no plans have been openly discussed.
Minnesota (2017)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023.[142]
Before NWSL bought FC Kansas City back from Minnesota-based Elam Baer, a second Minnesota-based group was in discussion for purchasing the team, though discussion about relocation was unsure.[171] After the sale and disbanding of the team, Baer stated that he was interested in eventually rejoining NWSL ownership to bring a team directly to Minnesota as he believed the league to be "a good long-term investment".[172]
New York City FC (2016)
- Current status
- Sky Blue FC rejected partnerships with New York City FC.[141]
City Football Group has expressed interest in starting a team in NWSL to mirror their MLS side New York City FC after having created very successful sister teams to Manchester City and Melbourne City. During the time when it was known as Sky Blue FC, current NWSL side NJ/NY Gotham FC had been in talks with both NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls for a partnership, but nothing came of the 2014 talks with NYCFC and Sky Blue rejected the 2013 proposed deal from NYRB.[141]
Pittsburgh (2018)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 18, 2023.
Under new ownership in 2014 after having recently gone through bankruptcy,[173] USL Pro side Pittsburgh Riverhounds also expressed interest in NWSL as an expansion on top of the youth structure already in place. As of 2015, the Riverhounds planned to expand their stadium capacity by 50%, and their target for an NWSL team was 2018.[103] As of 2024, The Riverhounds have announced they will be receiving an USL W team in 2025.
Other USL markets
- Current status
- Phoenix among markets announced in May 2023 as a founding club of the proposed competing top-division USL Super League.[162][163]
In August 2018, Research Triangle TV station WRAL reported on remarks made by North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik, also owner of the USL's North Carolina FC, to WRAL's sister radio station. He had been asked about rumors that the NWSL and USL were exploring a partnership, and chose to reframe the question to the issue of league expansion:
I just came from the USL meetings. Are there USL clubs that NWSL is talking to? Absolutely. There are some great fits where, if you build a 10,000- to 12,000-seat stadium in an urban area in a top 40 or top 50 market, particularly one that may not have Major League Soccer. If you own that stadium, do you want some dates? Yeah, you want some dates.
The WRAL-TV report speculated that at least five USL markets were potentially viable as NWSL expansion targets for 2020 and beyond. In addition to Louisville, whose NWSL side ultimately debuted in 2021, Hartford, Phoenix, Sacramento, and San Antonio were identified as possible targets. Amanda Duffy, then NWSL director of operations,[174] had connections to the management of San Antonio FC, having previously worked under that club's managing director Tim Holt when he was the president of the USL parent organization.[175] However, after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, USL announced its intention to form its own women's league,[176] which on September 21, 2021, was announced as the second-division USL Super League.[177]
2019–2022
In August 2019, Merritt Paulson, principal owner of Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL and the Portland Timbers in MLS and also a major player in the NWSL's expansion committee, held an open forum with supporters in which he stated there were two new teams committed to the NWSL for 2020, and a third aiming for a 2021 launch. He added that the teams in line for 2020 were in the Southeast and West Coast, and that the potential 2021 entry would be a “really significant, big-name addition” to the NWSL. Paulson then went further, saying "One of them’s an MLS team, one of them will be an MLS team, one of them’s a USL team. That’s probably more than I should have said." An unnamed source told the women's soccer news outlet The Equalizer that the three markets Paulson was alluding to were, in order of mention, Atlanta (MLS side Atlanta United FC), Sacramento (USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC), and Louisville (USL Championship side Louisville City FC).[178] Louisville was the first of these markets to be officially announced as a new NWSL entry. Sacramento's bid was mentioned on January 12, 2021, by then NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird as joining the league in 2021, though the expansion bid was moved to San Diego and officially announced on June 8 that same year.
In late 2019, the league announced plans to expand from nine teams to fourteen over the next three years. However, a combination of disagreements between NWSL and USSF on how the league should be run (especially concerning a commissioner) and the later COVID-19 pandemic, this schedule was pushed back with no expansion in 2020. However, multiple league officials voiced optimism about reaching 14 teams in their near future.[179]
Atlanta (2019–2022)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023.[142]
As reported in 2019, Atlanta United were considering launching a professional women's team to compete in the NWSL. Reports expected the team to do so by 2021.[180] However, no bid was publicly announced or awarded. On May 13, 2022, Atlanta United FC's ownership was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101]
New England (Connecticut, 2019)
- Current status
- As of May 12, 2023, the NWSL has made no public announcements about the bid.
In April 2019, former Connecticut congressional candidate and real-estate investor Mark Greenberg submitted a bid for an NWSL team, with an ownership group that included former USWNT player Kristine Lilly and plans to play at 7,000-seat stadium to be built at a softball complex in Windsor, Connecticut, and the Willow Brook Park baseball facility in New Britain, Connecticut. Mohegan Sun Sports, operator of the Connecticut Sun of the Women's National Basketball Association and New England Black Wolves of the National Lacrosse League, would operate the team's business.[18] The group also included longtime soccer administrator Thom Meredith and Civic Mind Studios founder T.J. Clynch. Dillon Stadium, the proposed site for the 2012 bid, was now occupied by men's team Hartford Athletic, which was not involved in the 2019 bid.[181] The proposed team would be branded for New England rather than Connecticut.[182]
Austin, Texas (2018–2022)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 12, 2023;[142] Austin FC refused to confirm interest in a bid in October 2022.[183]
Austin, Texas, has been listed as a potential NWSL expansion candidate multiple times since summer of 2018,[184][185][186] though few details are known concerning the potential ownership group. On May 13, 2022, Austin FC's ownership was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101] However, in October 2022 a spokesperson for Austin FC refused to comment on whether the team was considering financially supporting a women's team.[183]
Canada (Toronto FC, 2021–2022)
- Current status
- No publicly announced bid as of May 12, 2023;[142] an independent Canadian women's professional soccer league was announced in 2022 with AFC Toronto City among its founding teams.[187]
Following Canada's gold medal victory in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, renewed calls were made for a Canadian-based team in the NWSL. With Canada Soccer President Nick Bontis wanting to bring a NWSL team to Canada or for a dedicated Canadian professional league.[188]
On May 13, 2022, Toronto FC's ownership was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101]
Cincinnati (2021–2022)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of November 10, 2022.[189]
MLS expansion club FC Cincinnati has expressed interest in gaining a NWSL club once their new West End Stadium, ultimately named TQL Stadium, opened in 2021.[190] USWNT and NWSL star Rose Lavelle, a Cincinnati native, has spoken several times about her desire to play professional soccer in Cincinnati. On May 13, 2022, FC Cincinnati's ownership was among the seven groups Grant Wahl reported had strong interest in starting NWSL expansion teams.[101]
Oakland, California (2022)
- Current status
- No publicly announced NWSL bid as of May 18, 2023. NWSL approved a Bay Area team for play in the same media market to launch in 2024.[108] Oakland Roots/Soul were announced in May 2023 as a potential founding club of the proposed competing top-division USL Super League.[162][163]
A bid based out of Oakland, California, was announced on November 2, 2022, as part of a strategic alliance between The Town FC and the African American Sports & Entertainment Group. The AASEG is also attempting to bring WNBA and NFL expansions to Oakland, with the goal of these three teams to be based at the current site of the Oakland Arena and Oakland Coliseum.[191][192]
Philadelphia (2022)
- Current status
- Has not submitted a bid for expansion as of May 9, 2023.[193]
In July 2022, Philadelphia Union president Tim McDermott said that they were in talks with the NWSL regarding possible expansion and assessing the market for NWSL for the city. Philadelphia is the fourth-largest media market in the United States.[194]
References
- ^ a b "NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman targets expansion to 16 teams for 2026 with 'incredible amount of interest'". CBSSports.com. 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan (2017-10-11). "The Lowdown: Is 2017 NWSL Championship a rematch or isn't it? – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ a b c d "Kansas City Returns to the NWSL as Expansion Team in 2021". December 7, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ a b "Kansas City Returns to the NWSL as Expansion Team in 2021" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. December 7, 2020. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ a b c d e "As expansion race heats up, NWSL faces tough questions about its future". ESPN.com. 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ^ a b Dornbrook, James. "Minneapolis investor scores ownership of FC Kansas City". Kansas City Business Journal. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Dornbrook, James (November 20, 2017). "Minneapolis businessman calls it quits on FC Kansas City". Kansas City Business Journal. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ "Lyon parent company acquires NWSL's Reign FC". Reuters. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati Announces New Women's League to Begin Play in Spring of 2013" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
- ^ "Eight teams to start new women's pro soccer league in 2013". The Equalizer. November 21, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
- ^ "We are the Washington Spirit » Washington Spirit" (Press release). Washington Spirit. 2012-12-11. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "Timbers in, Sounders out of new women's league". The Equalizer. November 21, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
- ^ Giase, Frank (December 11, 2012). "On Soccer: New women's pro league has backing of U.S. Soccer Federation". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (November 20, 2012). "Established LA ownership excluded for geography". The Equalizer. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (November 21, 2012). "Connecticut hopes for expansion bid, again". The Equalizer. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps FC Announce W-league Team Status For 2013 Season". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. June 10, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (October 18, 2011). "Connecticut expansion team rumors heat up". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^ a b Stacy, Kelli (2019-04-26). "Former congressional candidate Mark Greenberg, Mohegan Sun looking to bring pro women's soccer team to Hartford area". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Johal, Harjeet (2014-11-25). "Four-time USL W-League champs LA Blues fold". The Equalizer. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Kennedy, Paul. "Report: W-League champion Pali Blues are folding". Soccer America. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "FC Indiana". BigSoccer forums. February 26, 2013.
- ^ Grainey, Tim (September 11, 2013). "Early days, but Borkowski has big ideas for Caribbean subsidized NWSL team". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Ryan, Conor (December 12, 2016). "United Women's Soccer announces four-team expansion for 2017 season". www.masslive.com. Springfield Republican. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Coleman, Adam (July 17, 2013). "Cy Woods girls' soccer coach living dream as pro player". www.chron.com. Cyprus Creek Mirror. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Murray, Caitlin (August 25, 2013). "Exclusive: Gulati confirms no NWSL expansion for 2014". Soccer Wire. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Lovell, Darrell (November 19, 2013). "Houston Dynamo looking into becoming second MLS team to own professional women's club". Houston Dynamo. Archived from the original on November 27, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
- ^ "Houston Dynamo launch Houston Dash as expansion member of National Women's Soccer League". Houston Dynamo. December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on May 1, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^ Goff, Steven (December 11, 2013). "NWSL expanding to Houston in 2014". Washington Post. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Plush: NWSL hopes to have 14 teams by 2020". Equalizer Soccer. 8 December 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
- ^ Rothschild, Ty (July 20, 2015). "Orlando City likely to add NWSL Women's team". otowns11.com. Fansided. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan (July 21, 2015). "Orlando City issues statement on potential NWSL team". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Orlando Pride women's soccer team to join NWSL in 2016". Bay News 9. October 20, 2015. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (October 22, 2015). "Making Sense of the Alex Morgan-to-Orlando Trade". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
One source tells The Equalizer that Orlando's ability to acquire Morgan was a factor in club joining the NWSL now instead of waiting for the 2017 season. Others stress that Orlando was committed regardless and Portland had the ability to say 'no' to trading Morgan.
- ^ Goldberg, Jamie (October 26, 2015). "Portland Thorns officially trade Alex Morgan to Orlando Pride". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Farley, Richard (November 2, 2016). "Blockbusters! The nine biggest trades in NWSL history". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Inverted Triangle Podcast: West Ham commits, Tobacco Road FC kicks off". WRALSportsFan.com. Capitol Broadcasting Company. May 12, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Nutting, Jake (December 2, 2016). "Report: Carolina RailHawks to Rebrand, Announce Bid for MLS". Empire of Soccer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "North Carolina FC Pursues NWSL Team". North Carolina FC. December 6, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff; Farley, Richard (January 6, 2017). "NWSL champion WNY Flash to relocate to North Carolina". FourFourTwo. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan (January 6, 2017). "WNY Flash to be sold, relocated to North Carolina". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ DiVeronica, Jeff (July 2, 2013). "Family ties don't stop the Flash's Alex Sahlen from doing a great job". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "Aaran Lines steps down as WNY Flash coach". The Equalizer. 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ DiVeronica, Jeff (July 10, 2016). "Furor over field spoils night at Frontier, as Alex Morgan and others slam small field; NWSL issues apology". Democrat & Chronicle. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Burke, Timothy (July 9, 2016). "TLC Concert Forces Top-Division Soccer Match To Be Played On Ridiculously Tiny Pitch". Deadspin. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Narrowing the field: NWSL game played on 58-yard wide pitch". ESPN. July 9, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (July 16, 2016). "Flash fined, but questions remain in NWSL's small-field fiasco". FourFourTwo. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "NWSL champion Flash relocates, becomes North Carolina Courage". www.si.com. Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. January 9, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ @WNYFlash (January 9, 2017). "Official Statement from the Sahlen Family" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Nutting, Jake; Reese, Bill (September 13, 2016). "RailHawks Ownership Trademark Fmr. WUSA Team Name Carolina Courage". Empire of Soccer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "North Carolina Football Club Enters Into Agreement To Acquire Rights To NWSL's 2016 Champions Western New York Flash". North Carolina FC. January 9, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (November 3, 2014). "Real Salt Lake interested in NWSL ownership". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Real Salt Lake officially unveil USL PRO side Real Monarchs SLC, in talks about possible NWSL team". www.mlssoccer.com. Major League Soccer. November 3, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (March 3, 2015). "Real Salt Lake meets with NWSL commissioner Plush". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "New league, new coach: Former BYU-Hawaii soccer coach to guide RSL Women". ksl.com. KSL Broadcasting. January 23, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kamrani, Christopher (August 23, 2016). "Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has plans for 'world-class' soccer facility, academy in Salt Lake Valley". www.sltrib.com. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (September 13, 2016). "Nine expansion options on NWSL's radar". FourFourTwo. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ a b "Doubts about FC Kansas City's future highlight NWSL's growing divide | FourFourTwo". Archived from the original on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2017-11-21.
- ^ Jan 11, A. P.; ET, 2017 at 5:02p (2017-01-11). "FC Kansas City is under new ownership". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Real Salt Lake team to replace FC Kansas City: What it means for the NWSL | FourFourTwo". Archived from the original on 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2017-11-21.
- ^ Montgomery, Matt (2017-11-16). "Real Salt Lake's NWSL team will start play in 2018". RSL Soapbox. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan (16 November 2017). "Lauletta: The good, the bad, and the ugly of NWSL's move to Salt Lake City – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Montgomery, Matt (2017-11-20). "RSL's NWSL team receives FC Kansas City player rights". RSL Soapbox. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Montgomery, Matt (2017-11-15). "Report: RSL taking FC Kansas City's spot in NWSL, will play at Rio Tinto". RSL Soapbox. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ a b DelGallo, Alicia (January 10, 2019). "Duffy: League in no rush to expand". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League to feature nine teams again for the 2020 season" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. December 19, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (August 27, 2020). "MLS, NWSL to probe Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals owner over alleged use of racist language". ESPN. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
- ^ Kamrani, Christopher; Stejskal, Sam; Tenorio, Paul; Linehan, Meg (August 27, 2020). "Dell Loy Hansen has history of racist comments as RSL owner". The Athletic. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ Vejar, Alex (August 29, 2020). "New allegation of racist language by RSL owner Dell Loy Hansen surfaces". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ Boren, Cindy (August 30, 2020). "Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen will sell teams after accusations of racism". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ Walker, Sean (August 31, 2020). "As he navigates exit, Dell Loy Hansen leaves complicated legacy with Real Salt Lake, Utah soccer". KSL.com. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c Vejar, Alex (December 7, 2020). "Utah Royals will move to Kansas City, but women's soccer may make a return here". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c Kassouf, Jeff (December 7, 2020). "Official: Utah Royals out, Kansas City in for NWSL; Utah hopes for 2023 return". The Equalizer. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c Silverman, Michael (May 17, 2023). "How viable is a National Women's Soccer League team in Boston?". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Farley, Richard. "Boston Breakers at a crossroads: What ownership change would mean for the team, NWSL's future". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2018-01-21.
- ^ "NWSL's Boston Breakers fold ahead of 2018". ESPN. Associated Press. January 28, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ "Soccer club owner: Stadium site garnering interest from entertainment companies, could host women's team". Insider Louisville. Archived from the original on 2019-08-14. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (6 August 2019). "Let's talk about NWSL expansion — but not really". The Equalizer. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Linehan, Meg; Rueter, Jeff (August 13, 2019). "Sources: Louisville is the leading candidate for 2020 NWSL expansion". The Athletic. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ "NWSL poised to announce Louisville expansion team". SportBusiness. 2019-10-20. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Linehan, Meg (October 19, 2019). "Sources: Louisville to get NWSL team for 2021 launch". The Athletic. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League announces expansion to Louisville in 2021" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 22, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
- ^ Sullivan, Tim (12 November 2019). "Louisville's NWSL expansion team has a name, and it's a nod to Kentucky's favorite spirit". Louisville Courier Journal. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ^ Creditor, Avi. "NWSL's Expansion Club Reveals Name: Racing Louisville FC". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (November 5, 2014). "Hamm, new MLS Los Angeles part-owner, says NWSL in LA 'just makes sense'". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Linehan, Meg. "NWSL in talks with ownership group to add Los Angeles expansion team". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Baxter, Kevin [@kbaxter11] (June 17, 2020). "It appears as if the @MLS mystery team @itsmeglinehan says could get involved in the @NWSL expansion franchise is the @LAGalaxy. @LAFC says it absolutely isn't them. @LAGalaxy won't confirm or deny interest https://t.co/J2dYtfQaVj" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c d "National Women's Soccer League awards expansion team rights to Los Angeles". nwslsoccer.com. July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
- ^ @SacRepublicFC (September 18, 2016). "absolutely something we hope to see here in the future!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @SacRepublicFC (April 19, 2016). "@danieltyree @EvanReam we've on multiple occasions we'd love to have a NWSL team ;)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @SacRepublicFC (December 9, 2015). "@davidsirias1 we would love to bring an NWSL club to Sacramento! Need to focus on building our player development system one step at a time" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @SacRepublicFC (July 11, 2015). "@dthehunter916 @ussoccer_wnt @NWSL definitely something we hope to bring to Sacramento in the future" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Murray, Caitlin (15 November 2016). "NWSL boss: 2017 expansion still on the table, California is top target". Fox Sports. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ KCRA Staff (2019-10-18). "Sacramento FC owners in advanced talks to bring women's pro soccer to city". KCRA. Retrieved 2019-10-18.
- ^ Wahl, Grant [@GrantWahl] (July 20, 2020). "Tomorrow's LA NWSL announcement is hardly the only NWSL expansion interest I know of. Hearing Sacramento is close again, plus at least one other investor group interested in West Coast team ownership" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (12 January 2021). "NWSL commissioner announces Sacramento expansion team will enter league in 2022". Indomitable City Soccer. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ Stejskal, Sam; Tenorio, Paul; Rueter, Jeff; Linehan, Meg (26 February 2021). "Sacramento Republic's MLS future in doubt: Why it happened and what comes next". The Athletic. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
- ^ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. 8 June 2021.
- ^ "David Blitzer & Smith Entertainment Group to Purchase Real Salt Lake". RSL.com. MLS Digital. January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ Stejskal, Sam; Tenorio, Paul (January 5, 2022). "David Blitzer group finalizes RSL purchase; Details on Lorenzo Insigne's Toronto FC salary: MLS Notebook". TheAthletic.com. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ Muller, Lucas (2022-01-05). "Blitzer says new ownership plans to bring back Utah Royals". RSL Soapbox. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Grant Wahl on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
- ^ a b Bachman, Jessica Toonkel and Rachel (27 January 2023). "WSJ News Exclusive | NWSL Set to Expand With Record-Setting $50 Million Franchise Fees". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b c d e Lauletta, Dan (February 11, 2015). "The Lowdown: When, to where will NWSL expand?". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Etnire, Colin (May 5, 2016). "The Aftershock: Dave Kaval". centerlinesoccer.com. SBNation. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Almond, Elliott (November 11, 2016). "Earthquakes Q&A: Team paying top dollar for new GM". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (January 9, 2021). "Report: NWSL team coming to San Jose?". Center Line Soccer.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (21 June 2022). "Will the NWSL expand to California again? A group of Bay Area legends thinks they must – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved 2022-06-28.
- ^ a b c Linehan, Meg. "Chastain, Osborne, Slaton, Wagner making Bay Area NWSL expansion bid". The New York Times. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
- ^ a b Caron, Emily; Novy-Williams, Eben (April 4, 2023). "Sheryl Sandberg Joins Ownership of NWSL's Bay Area Expansion Team". Sportico. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Novy-Williams, Eben (April 11, 2023). "NWSL's Sixth Street Deal Has Safeguards for Private Equity First". Sportico. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ^ "Bay FC Is Born: National Women's Soccer League Club Representing the Bay Area Unveils Name and Identity to Unite Northern California" (Press release). Bay FC. June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ Yanchulis, Kate (May 9, 2023). "NWSL expects to add two expansion teams in 2026, commissioner says". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Toonkel, Jessica; Bachman, Rachel (January 27, 2023). "NWSL Set to Expand With Record-Setting $50 Million Franchise Fees". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Gaffin, Adam. "If Boston gets a women's pro soccer team again, White Stadium in Franklin Park could be its home". Universal Hub. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ "White Stadium on deck for restoration as a 'treasure'". Dorchester Reporter. May 3, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ "Request for proposals sought to renovate, rebuild, and reimagine White Stadium" (Press release). City of Boston. April 26, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Silverman, Michael. "White Stadium set to get a renovation, with an eye to luring a women's pro soccer team". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Bleichfeld, Avery (May 31, 2023). "Community groups debate White Stadium renovation plan". The Bay State Banner. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Reynolds, Lance (July 8, 2023). "Franklin Park's White Stadium lining up to be home of Boston's next professional women's soccer team". Boston Herald. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Vincent, Taylor (July 10, 2023). "Boston Unity group's proposal for White Stadium sheds light on NWSL plans". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (July 11, 2023). "Denver group launches public effort to land pro women's soccer team". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (July 11, 2023). "Investors seek NWSL or USL Super League team for Denver". ESPN. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Chavkin, Daniel (2023-10-17). "Ohio Group Announces Pursuit of NWSL Franchise in Cleveland". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ "Cleveland to launch MLS NEXT Pro Team in 2025". mlsnextpro. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ Novy-Williams, Emily Caron,Eben; Caron, Emily; Novy-Williams, Eben (2022-12-16). "NWSL Narrows Expansion Search to Boston, Tampa and San Francisco". Sportico.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Cleveland looks to land women's professional soccer franchise with 'Back the Bid' campaign". wkyc.com. 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ Rumsey, David (2023-10-18). "Push To Bring NWSL To Cleveland Has Strong Local Support". Front Office Sports. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ "MLS NEXT Pro Team in Cleveland". www.clevelandprosoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
- ^ "Minnesota Aurora FC Town Hall MTG. 2.27.24". YouTube. 29 February 2024.
- ^ https://www.mnaurora.com/news/2024/02/13/minnesota-aurora-fc-and-fox-9-renew-partnership-to-broadcast-and-stream-all-2024-home-games/
- ^ "Aurora vs NWSL Attendance".
- ^ "Minnesota Aurora to submit bid to join National Women's Soccer League". 3 November 2022.
- ^ "Minnesota Aurora's professional bid put on hiatus". 6 December 2022.
- ^ "St. Louis City SC owners eye adding National Women's Soccer League team". ksdk.com. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "St. Louis City owners eye adding NWSL team". www.sportsbusinessjournal.com. 2023-09-20. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ Kaiser, Hal (April 11, 2015). "Three Takeaways from Houston Dash Win and Talk with Jeff Plush". Keeper Notes. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan (April 14, 2015). "The Lowdown: 5 takeaways from NWSL Week 1". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ @JeffKassouf (April 27, 2015). "Atlanta will not enter #NWSL in 2016; still pushing for 2017, group tells me. "Vibe" no more -- Atlanta FC: http://atlantavibe.com/index.php" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (July 8, 2015). "10 minutes with NWSL commissioner Jeff Plush on the Women's World Cup, role models, league expansion". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Adelson, Eric (July 9, 2015). "National Women's Soccer League set to capitalize on U.S.'s World Cup title". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Kassouf, Jeff (June 9, 2016). "City Football Group could bring NWSL team to New York". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Hruby, Emma (May 12, 2023). "NWSL expansion in 2026: Breaking down potential locations". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (January 6, 2015). "Atlanta group declares interest in NWSL team". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ a b Kassouf, Jeff (February 27, 2015). "Proposed Atlanta team would play at Silverbacks Park". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (February 27, 2015). "Atlanta group moving forward with NWSL plans". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Longshore, Jason (December 5, 2016). "Ownership group interested in NASL and NWSL franchises in Atlanta". dirtysouthsoccer.com. SBNation. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Hunte, Sydney (December 30, 2016). "More details on planned DeKalb County soccer/sports complex emerge". dirtysouthsoccer.com. SBNation. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Niesse, Mark (February 22, 2017). "Stadium and sports complex to be built in Stonecrest". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ @kivlehan (April 9, 2017). "Statement from @atlanta_2018 on postponing their announcement. As some have notice the countdown clock is off their site. #NASL" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Kivlehan, Chris [@kivlehan] (December 9, 2017). "Also got a survey today on Atlanta NWSL which is project from the same group. I assume this is them & not a 3rd party since they have my email but can't 100% confirm at this time. But in total this may show activity but like everyone else waiting to see what happens with NASL https://t.co/irvQNMrzRj" (Tweet). Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Bartomeu: "FC Barcelona wants to create a women's soccer team in the United States"". FC Barcelona. July 9, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (September 9, 2016). "FC Barcelona sees women's soccer, futsal as big opportunities in U.S." FourFourTwo. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ Rosenblatt, Ryan (May 12, 2017). "FC Barcelona approve plans to launch a women's team in NWSL". Fox News. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ VAVEL.com (2017-11-17). "FC Barcelona looks towards Santa Monica for NWSL team". VAVEL. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (9 May 2019). "Nike, NWSL extend partnership through 2022". The Equalizer. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (October 18, 2018). "FC Barcelona to NWSL? Not so fast". The Equalizer. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ a b Johal, Harjeet (July 14, 2015). "NWSL to Vancouver? It's a definite maybe". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Linehan, Meg (April 16, 2013). "Bailey discusses opening weekend, expansion". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^ Sandor, Steven (July 16, 2014). "CSA hopeful that Women's World Cup will spur NWSL to expand to Canada". the11.ca. The 11. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (August 28, 2014). "Bailey: No NWSL expansion for 2015…as of now". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Johan, Harjeet (July 14, 2015). "Whitecaps say 'nothing imminent' on NWSL front". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Carlisle, Jeff (2023-05-16). "USL Super League confirms cities for first season". ESPN. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ a b c d "USL Super League Announces Initial Markets" (Press release). United Soccer Leagues. May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Wilfong, David (June 6, 2016). "Pitching a women's soccer team to DFW". North Dallas Gazette. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Alesia, Mark (February 16, 2015). "Indy Eleven stadium bill moves on, but lawmakers express reservations". www.indystar.com. Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Alesia, Mark (April 29, 2015). "Indy Eleven stadium bill is dead". www.indystar.com. Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ @TheDanLauletta (April 29, 2015). "Peter Wilt tells me #NWSL plans for Indianapolis contingent on stadium, now pushed back at least a year, meaning not before 2018" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it's downtown". www.ibj.com. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
- ^ Harris, Christopher (2018-01-29). "Beckham open to possibility of NWSL team for Miami". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Inter Miami CF [@InterMiamiCF] (October 25, 2018). "@Ingridium Plans are in the pipeline. Watch this space. #FútbolForAll" (Tweet). Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "NWSL coaching carousel set to crank up? Sundhage, Harvey, Andonovski and others ponder moves | FourFourTwo". Archived from the original on 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2018-01-21.
- ^ Andrew Tellijohn (2017-12-01). "Baer remains interested in bringing NWSL to Minnesota someday". MN Sports Biz Blog. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Sanserino, Michael (March 27, 2014). "Riverhounds soccer team seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Amanda Duffy named President of NWSL" (Press release). National Women’s Soccer League. January 15, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
- ^ Morris, Neil (August 23, 2018). "NWSL expansion could see teams added in USL cities". Raleigh, NC: WRAL-TV. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- ^ Wahl, Grant. "USL Serious in Launching Women's Professional League to Rival NWSL (Sources)". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ "USL Announces New Professional Division II Women's Soccer League". uslsoccer.com. USLSoccer.com Staff. September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (August 22, 2019). "Paulson says NWSL has three new teams committed for next two seasons". The Equalizer. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
- ^ Lauletta, Dan [@TheDanLauletta] (February 28, 2020). "Arnim Whisler, unprompted, jumps in during Lisa Baird conference call to double (triple? quadruple?) down on #NWSL expansion, says 14 is a logical near-term number to get to, added they "slow walked it a bit" so new commish could be part of process" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 28, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Boehm, Charles (October 29, 2019). "Reports: Atlanta United mulling NWSL team, could launch as soon as 2021". Major League Soccer.
- ^ Spedden, Zach (2019-04-30). "Group Proposing Windsor Stadium for New England NWSL Club". Soccer Stadium Digest. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (2019-04-25). "Hartford-area group makes push for 'New England' NWSL expansion team". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ a b Asch, Sarah (2022-10-24). "What will it take for Austin to get a professional women's soccer team?". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "NWSL may expand with LA club". www.newschain.uk. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Shapiro, Michael. "Report: NWSL Considering Expansion Team in Los Angeles". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ "Will 2019 Women's World Cup Help Lead to Sustained Progress in Texas Women's Soccer?". Texas Soccer Journal. 2019-07-16. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Dichter, Myles (April 26, 2023). "Toronto named 3rd franchise in Canadian women's pro soccer league set to start in 2025". CBC Sports. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Johnson, Meaghen (July 10, 2021). "Olympic champion women's soccer team eyeing Canadian pro league or NWSL expansion team". TSN. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ "NWSL expansion plans for 2024: What you need to know". Just Women's Sports. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "FC Cincinnati interested in NWSL expansion; Sacramento could join, too | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
- ^ FC, The Town (2022-11-02). "African American Sports & Entertainment Group and The Town FC announce strategic alliance to bring NWSL Expansion team to Oakland". THE TOWN FC. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
- ^ Zimmerman, Douglas (2022-11-02). "The Town FC and AASEG explore bringing NWSL team to Oakland Coliseum complex". Soccer Bay Area. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
- ^ Tannenwald, Jonathan (2023-05-09). "The NWSL will add two more teams in 2026, commissioner Jessica Berman says". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "Looking at Philadelphia's chances of landing a professional women's team". Sports Business Journal. 8 July 2022. Retrieved 2022-08-02.