Who Will Be the NWSL’s 16th Team? Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver Battle for Expansion Glory
KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The race to become the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th team is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Commissioner Jessica Berman made the big announcement on Friday at CPKC Stadium, revealing that Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver are the three finalists vying for the coveted spot. With the league’s expansion process nearing its conclusion, fans won’t have to wait long to find out which city will join the NWSL family. A decision is expected in the coming weeks, and the excitement is palpable.
The new team is set to begin play in 2026, alongside another expansion team from Boston. This marks a significant step forward for the league, which is determined to grow its footprint across the United States. “As we think about the geographic footprint of our country, we know that a 14-team league is not where we will end up,” Berman stated. Her words underscore the league’s ambitious vision for the future.
Why Expansion Matters
Berman didn’t hold back when discussing the importance of expansion. “All the men’s leagues are 30-plus teams for a reason,” she explained. “In order to build the kind of national exposure, visibility, and media deals that we think this league deserves and our fans deserve, we know that we need to be in more markets.”
It’s a bold but necessary move for the NWSL, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years. The addition of new teams not only brings fresh talent and fanbases but also strengthens the league’s position in the competitive sports landscape. And with an expansion fee that could approach a staggering $100 million, the stakes are higher than ever.
The Finalists: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver
Let’s break down the three cities in the running:
- Cincinnati: Backed by the ownership group of MLS’ FC Cincinnati, this bid has some serious star power. Basketball sensation Caitlin Clark is among the investors, adding a layer of excitement to the city’s campaign. Commissioner Berman couldn’t hide her admiration for Clark, calling her contributions to women’s sports “incredible” and “historic.”
- Cleveland: This bid is gaining momentum, with multiple sources considering it a strong contender. The group recently acquired downtown land for a potential stadium, signaling their commitment to the project. If selected, Cleveland plans to play in a temporary venue while the stadium is under construction.
- Denver: Like Cleveland, Denver also plans to build a stadium and use a temporary venue upon launching in 2026. The city’s bid is seen as another strong option, and its inclusion in the final three speaks volumes about its potential.
Boston Joins the Party
Boston, which will also begin play in 2026, is already making waves as one of the league’s newest expansion teams. Alongside Bay FC, which debuted this year, Boston paid $53 million to enter the league. However, the upcoming expansion teams will face a unique challenge: they won’t have the benefit of an expansion draft to build their rosters. Historically, expansion teams were given extra allocation money to help assemble competitive squads, but that mechanism is being phased out.
So, how will these new teams hit the ground running? Berman assured fans that the league is working on solutions. “We are developing mechanisms to ensure that those teams can be competitive, as we think about the value of expansion and the importance of setting those teams up for success both on and off the pitch,” she said. While the specifics remain under wraps, it’s clear that the league is committed to giving these teams a fighting chance.
What’s Next?
As the league inches closer to its decision, the anticipation is building. Will Cincinnati’s star-studded bid win the day? Can Cleveland’s downtown stadium plans seal the deal? Or will Denver’s strong case push it over the finish line? One thing is certain: the NWSL is on the rise, and the addition of these new teams will only add to its momentum.
For fans of women’s soccer, this is an exciting time. The league’s growth is a testament to the increasing popularity and support for the sport, and the future looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned, because the next chapter of the NWSL’s story is about to be written.
Originally Written by: Jeff Kassouf
