The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially moved forward with plans to establish a second division women’s soccer league in the U.S. by 2026, with a focus on enhancing player development and fostering the growth of women’s soccer.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed that the league submitted its sanctioning application to U.S. Soccer on April 1, marking a significant step in the ongoing expansion of women’s professional soccer in America. The proposal, which was first reported by CBS Sports, aims to create a Division II league as a key component for long-term sustainability and development within the sport.
According to the documents, the new Division II league will provide emerging players, including college athletes, with an opportunity to gain experience in the technical, tactical, and mental demands of top-tier professional soccer. This is expected to bridge the gap between college soccer and the NWSL.
The initial eight teams lined up for the proposed league include clubs affiliated with prominent NWSL teams: North Carolina Courage, Kansas City Current, Racing Louisville, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, Bay FC, Seattle Reign, and Washington Spirit. The NWSL aims to have all its Division I clubs operating a Division II team within the first four years of the new league’s existence.
Building a Strong Foundation for Women’s Soccer
To meet the criteria of U.S. Soccer’s Professional League Standards, the proposed Division II clubs will share infrastructure, staffing, and common ownership with existing NWSL teams. However, there will also be opportunities for unaffiliated clubs to join the league, expanding its diversity and competition.
A spokesperson for the NWSL confirmed that the league has submitted its sanctioning application to U.S. Soccer, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to growing the women’s game.
“The demand for professional women’s soccer has never been higher,” said the NWSL in a statement. “We are committed to providing opportunities for the next generation of players, coaches, and officials while advancing women’s sports across the globe.”
Despite the submission, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the application was filed to meet a deadline, rather than moving forward with finalized plans. According to insiders, no specific decisions have been made about the league’s structure or the timeline for its implementation.
The Emergence of a New Division II League
Currently, there is no officially sanctioned Division II women’s soccer league in the U.S., but that could change in the near future. Last week, WPSL Pro, which had initially planned to be a Division III league, pivoted its strategy and now seeks to be sanctioned as a Division II league. This move follows new support from the Cleveland Soccer Group, which previously bid for an NWSL expansion spot. WPSL Pro is now awaiting sanctioning from U.S. Soccer.
The proposed NWSL Division II league checks many boxes required by U.S. Soccer’s Professional League Standards. These include having at least six teams in the first year and eight by the third year, with half of the teams based in metro areas of over 500,000 residents. Additionally, all eight teams for the inaugural season meet the stadium capacity requirement of 2,000 or more.
Expanding Opportunities for Women’s Soccer Clubs
Racing Louisville’s VP of Marketing and Communications, Jonathan Lintner, discussed the league’s potential, noting that while Division II league expansion is still under discussion, the team’s primary focus remains on promoting the top-tier Racing Louisville team as women’s soccer continues to grow in popularity across the U.S.
The proposed league will follow a double round-robin format, with each team playing 14 regular-season games (home and away). The postseason would feature a semifinal format with the top four teams battling for a place in the championship match.
A spokesperson for Gotham FC expressed excitement about the opportunities that the new league could bring for players, fans, and the broader soccer ecosystem. The club remains committed to working collaboratively with other teams to ensure the league’s success.
Looking Ahead for Women’s Soccer
With growing interest in women’s sports, the NWSL’s Division II proposal could be a transformative move for the future of women’s soccer in the U.S. As discussions progress, the NWSL and its partners are eager to continue building a stronger foundation for the sport’s future, fostering a competitive environment for players at every level.
The NWSL’s ongoing efforts underscore the league’s role as a global leader in women’s soccer, setting the stage for even greater success in the years to come.
