League: NWSL Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Rumors

NWSL plans to expand to 20 teams and beyond, says commissioner

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 12:16 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

NWSL plans to expand to 20 teams and beyond, says commissioner

Summary

Commissioner Jessica Berman announced that the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) aims to expand to 20 teams and potentially more. Currently, the league has 16 teams in the ongoing 2026 season, with Atlanta and Columbus set to join in 2028 for record expansion fees. Berman stated that there is no fixed timeline for awarding new franchises, as the league prepares to open a financial data room for prospective investors. She emphasized that the increase in teams would not dilute playing standards, citing strong demand and the league's geographic potential across the U.S.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•NWSL currently has 16 teams for the 2026 season.
•Atlanta and Columbus to join in 2028 for $165 million and $205 million fees.
•No set deadline for awarding new franchises.
•Berman believes demand for teams remains high.
•Future expansions aim to enhance national presence.

Latest Updates

12:16 PMYahoo Sports — NWSL looking to expand to at least 20 teams, says commissioner Jessica Berman

What they're saying

"
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is looking to expand to 20 teams and beyond, according to commissioner Jessica Berman. The league has 16 teams for the ongoing 2026 season, with Atlanta and Columbus set to join in 2028 for record expansion fees of $165million and $205m respectively. Berman, 49, said there was no fixed deadline for awarding the next two franchises. “We’re about to open our data room for teams 19 and 20 because we intend to continue expanding,” Berman said Thursday at the
— Yahoo Sports

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