The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is on the brink of a monumental decision as it prepares to name its 16th franchise. Commissioner Jessica Berman ignited excitement among fans on Friday when she revealed that Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver have emerged as the final three contenders in the yearlong expansion bidding process.
A Thrilling Three-Way Race
The announcement, made at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between three rising soccer hotspots. Each city brings a unique blend of passion, potential, and commitment to the beautiful game, making the ultimate decision a challenging one for the league.
Sources close to the bidding process have hinted that the expansion fee for the winning city could approach a staggering $100 million, a testament to the increasing value and prestige of the NWSL. The selected team will begin play in 2026, joining forces with another expansion side from Boston to bring the league’s total number of teams to 16.
Cincinnati’s Star Power
Cincinnati’s bid, spearheaded by the ownership group of MLS club FC Cincinnati, received a significant boost on Thursday with the announcement that basketball phenom Caitlin Clark has joined their ranks as an investor. Berman praised Clark’s involvement, stating:
Her accomplishments and contributions to women’s sports is incredible, historic. It’s changed the game for everyone and she’s amazing. Having her interest in the NWSL is an honor.
Leveling the Playing Field
As the league prepares to welcome its newest members, it faces the challenge of ensuring a level playing field. Unlike previous expansion teams, the Boston franchise and the city that joins them will not have the benefit of an expansion draft to build their rosters. Additionally, allocation money, a tool that has historically provided extra financial flexibility to new teams, is being phased out of the NWSL.
Recognizing the need to support these fledgling franchises, Berman assured fans that the league is developing mechanisms to help the expansion teams hit the ground running in spring 2026. While she declined to provide specific details, her words instilled confidence that the NWSL is committed to setting up its newest members for success both on and off the pitch.
The Future is Bright
As the NWSL continues to grow and evolve, Berman emphasized the importance of expanding the league’s geographic footprint. With aspirations to rival the reach and popularity of men’s professional sports leagues, the commissioner declared:
All the men’s leagues are 30-plus teams for a reason, and 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.
The stage is set for a transformative moment in the history of the NWSL. As Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver await the league’s verdict, fans across the nation are eager to discover which city will emerge victorious and join the ranks of this thriving, ever-expanding league. With the promise of new stars, fierce competition, and unwavering dedication to the growth of women’s soccer, the future of the NWSL looks brighter than ever.
