NWSL will look to add two more expansion teams in 2026
By Alex Windley
The NWSL will look to add two additional teams in 2026, according to commissioner Jessica Berman.
With Utah and San Francisco set to join in 2024, Berman revealed plans to add two more teams within the next three years: "We do expect for the 2026 season to add two more teams."
“That process will began later this calendar year, and through the process we ran in 2022 for this round of expansion, we have an incredible amount of interest from qualified investors.”
Rumors are circulating that Boston is considered one of two possible expansion locations., as the city was home to the Boston Breakers for five years before the team disbanded in 2017. With the revival of the Utah Royals and Kansas City Current (then known as FC Kansas City), many hope the Breakers can make a comeback. But the league has yet to confirm any of those rumors.
The NWSL has continued to grow significantly over the years. Since starting with only eight teams, the league has expanded to twelve clubs, with Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave making their debut last year to roaring success.
As the league grows, the value of franchises has increased significantly. For example, the group that is spearheading the new Bay Area NWSL club had to shell out $53 million for franchise rights. But, commissioner Bergman still believes the league is in its infancy and will only continue to get better.
"Even though our valuations have increased in a meaningful way to $53 million with the team we sold to the Bay Area, we’re still really early in our process in terms of our growth and where we think this league is going to be in three to five to 10 years."