NWSL Finalists for 16th Expansion Team Announced

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has narrowed down its expansion process to three finalists for its 16th team: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver, as announced by commissioner Jessica Berman. Cincinnati's bid gained momentum with the involvement of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who is celebrated for her impact on women's sports. The new team is slated to begin play in 2026, alongside Boston's previously confirmed BOS Nation FC. Berman emphasized the league's need for expansion to enhance national exposure, stating that all major men's leagues have over 30 teams for this reason. The expansion fee for the new franchise could approach $100 million, reflecting the league's growing value. Berman affirmed that the NWSL is focused on creating competitive opportunities for these expansion teams without the benefit of an expansion draft.