NWSL Approves Intra-League Loans, Boosts Boston Denver Expansion Funding

The NWSL has introduced intra-league loans for the first time, allowing teams to loan players to other clubs within the league starting July 1, 2025, providing greater flexibility for player development and roster management. This change coincides with the expansion of the league to 16 teams, with Boston Legacy FC and a new Denver team set to begin play in 2026. Both expansion teams will receive up to $1,065,000 in allocation money, half funded by the league and half by the clubs, which can be used beyond the salary cap to build competitive rosters. Additionally, Boston and Denver have a transfer threshold increased by $968,000 compared to existing teams through mid-2026, enabling significant player acquisitions. The allocation money for these new teams will have an extended usage deadline through the end of 2027, contrasting with the league-wide phase-out of allocation money by the end of 2026. League officials emphasize these moves align the NWSL more closely with global soccer practices and aim to enhance competitiveness and player career flexibility.