NWSL Expansion: Denver Set to Join as 16th Team, More Growth on the Horizon
In a thrilling development for women’s soccer fans, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman has confirmed that the league’s expansion efforts are far from over. Speaking on Thursday, Berman revealed that the league is poised to announce its newest franchise next week, a move that has been eagerly anticipated by fans and insiders alike.
According to ESPN sources, Denver is set to be awarded the 16th franchise, marking a significant milestone in the league’s growth. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of rumors circulating, but we will have an announcement next week, so more to come in the not-too-distant future,” Berman stated. “We know that our expansion is not done. We’re in active conversations with our board to determine the next sequence of expansion, and as I’ve shared before, we have so many interested bidders who were not given a team in this round.”
Berman emphasized the league’s commitment to strategic growth, saying, “Part of the effort in the next three to six months is really developing our next expansion strategy. We want to be aggressive with expansion, but we also want to be strategic and smart about how we do that.”
Currently, the NWSL boasts 14 teams, but with the addition of BOS Nation FC and the expected announcement of Denver, the league will expand to 16 teams by 2026. This growth is a testament to the increasing popularity and support for women’s soccer across the United States.
Guidelines for Future Expansion
As the league looks beyond 2026, Berman outlined three key guidelines that will shape the selection of future markets:
- Ownership: Ensuring the right owner with both the financial capability and vision to invest in the team.
- Infrastructure: Securing a bid with a professional stadium and training facilities that meet current and future standards.
- Market Potential: While not the primary driver, the potential for growth in various cities across the country is a significant consideration.
“I could sit here and think of 10 to 12 markets where we could have a team be successful,” Berman noted, highlighting the vast opportunities available for the league’s expansion.
Adjusting to New Dynamics
As the NWSL gears up for the 2025 season, it faces new challenges with the absence of a college draft and the introduction of free agency. These changes come after the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement last year.
“It’s a learning process for the whole ecosystem,” Berman explained. “On the technical staff side, they’ve never experienced anything like this. There actually is nothing to point to as a case study of how to make this transition, because there is no league that has gone from a world of a draft and having years of service, to being able to earn free agency and just having that melt away overnight.”
She also acknowledged the adjustments players are making, saying, “I’ve seen some reports of the number of players who are out of contract, who are still looking for a job, and I think being able to find places for all of them, either within our ecosystem or beyond, is also going to be an adjustment for everyone.”
Exciting Season Ahead
Adding to the excitement, the league announced the full schedule for the 2025 season on Wednesday. Fans can look forward to a Rivalry Weekend and the return of Decision Day, promising thrilling matchups and intense competition. The location of the 2025 championship is expected to be revealed in the coming months, adding another layer of anticipation for the upcoming season.
As the NWSL continues to grow and evolve, fans and players alike are eager to see how these changes will shape the future of women’s soccer in the United States. With Denver’s expected entry and more expansion on the horizon, the league is poised for an exciting new chapter.
Originally Written by: Cesar Hernandez
