NWSL Aims high: Commissioner Envisions League Rivaling NFL in Size
LOS ANGELES – the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is setting its sights on unprecedented growth, with commissioner Jessica Berman expressing confidence that the league could eventually match the NFL’s 32-team footprint. Speaking at U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves Summit on Friday,Berman outlined aspiring expansion plans driven by the vast talent pool within the United States.
ambitious Expansion Plans
Berman stated that the league’s board believes that becoming the size of the NFL is within reach, emphasizing that the primary factor is strategic and intentional talent advancement. While the NWSL currently features 14 teams, Boston and Denver are slated to join in 2026, bringing the total to 16.
vision for Growth
In an interview with ESPN, Berman elaborated on her vision, citing the country’s size and the potential for numerous cities to sustain prosperous NWSL teams. Even though no active expansion process is underway, the league is engaged in ongoing discussions with interested groups. A timeline for further expansion beyond 16 teams has not been established.
Strategic Expansion and Player Depth
The addition of Boston, approved in 2023 with a $53 million expansion fee, and Denver, officially announced in January for a record $110 million, marks the first expansion since the league’s new collective bargaining agreement eliminated all drafts.
While some league sources, including technical staff executives and team owners, have voiced concerns about expanding too rapidly, notably regarding the potential thinning of the player pool and coaching/technical staff resources, Berman remains optimistic. One concern raised by league sources includes the thinning out of the available player pool,as well as available coaches and technical staff support.
Addressing Concerns
Berman acknowledged the player pool’s depth as a valid question but doesn’t see it as a major concern. She emphasized the unique advantage the U.S. possesses in terms of the sheer volume of current and potential players.
Strategic Player development
The NWSL’s strategy for future expansion will prioritize cultivating a wider base of players, addressing the historical focus on a smaller pool necessitated by a smaller league size.
What potential challenges, beyond player pool depth, could hinder the NWSL from reaching its goal of 32 teams?
NWSL Aims High: Commissioner Envisions League rivaling NFL in Size
LOS ANGELES – the National WomenS Soccer League (NWSL) is setting its sights on unprecedented growth, with commissioner Jessica Berman expressing confidence that the league could eventually match the NFL’s 32-team footprint.Speaking at U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves Summit on Friday,Berman outlined aspiring expansion plans driven by the vast talent pool within the United States.
ambitious Expansion Plans
Berman stated that the league’s board believes that becoming the size of the NFL is within reach, emphasizing that the primary factor is strategic and intentional talent advancement. while the NWSL currently features 14 teams, Boston and Denver are slated to join in 2026, bringing the total to 16.
vision for Growth
In an interview with ESPN, Berman elaborated on her vision, citing the country’s size and the potential for numerous cities to sustain prosperous NWSL teams.Even tho no active expansion process is underway, the league is engaged in ongoing discussions with interested groups. A timeline for further expansion beyond 16 teams has not been established.
Strategic Expansion and player Depth
The addition of Boston, approved in 2023 with a $53 million expansion fee, and Denver, officially announced in January for a record $110 million, marks the first expansion since the league’s new collective bargaining agreement eliminated all drafts.
While some league sources,including technical staff executives and team owners,have voiced concerns about expanding too rapidly,notably regarding the potential thinning of the player pool and coaching/technical staff resources,berman remains optimistic. One concern raised by league sources includes the thinning out of the available player pool,as well as available coaches and technical staff support.
Addressing Concerns
Berman acknowledged the player pool’s depth as a valid question but doesn’t see it as a major concern. she emphasized the unique advantage the U.S. possesses in terms of the sheer volume of current and potential players.
strategic Player development
The NWSL’s strategy for future expansion will prioritize cultivating a wider base of players, addressing the historical focus on a smaller pool necessitated by a smaller league size.
NWSL Expansion: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: How ambitious is the NWSL’s expansion goal?
A: The NWSL aims to grow to 32 teams, matching the NFL’s size. This is a critically important undertaking, as the league currently has 14 teams, with 16 planned for 2026.
Q: What’s driving this expansion?
A: the NWSL is banking on the vast talent pool within the United States. Commissioner Jessica Berman believes the US has the resources to support many more professional women’s soccer teams.
Q: What are the biggest hurdles to rapid expansion?
A: Some team sources are concerned about thinning the player pool and finding enough qualified coaches and technical staff to support more teams.However, the NWSL is optimistic that these challenges can be overcome.
Q: How is the NWSL addressing the concerns about player pool depth?
A: The NWSL is prioritizing the development of a broader base of players. This will involve investing in youth programs and scouting to identify and nurture talent.
Q: When and where can we expect to see the next NWSL expansion?
A: Boston and Denver are joining in 2026. While the league is in discussions with interested groups, the timeline for expansion beyond 16 teams has not been established. The next expansion cities have not been set yet.
Q: How much does it cost to start an NWSL team?
A: The expansion fee for Boston was $53 million, and Denver’s was a record $110 million. These fees reflect the growing value and popularity of the league.
Q: what’s the impact of eliminating drafts?
A: The new collective bargaining agreement eliminated drafts, which is a significant change to the league’s operations. This allows for teams to sign players.
Ready to witness history? Follow the NWSL’s journey as it strives to become a major force in American sports.
