You Won't Believe How This $60 Million Investment Is Changing Women's Soccer Forever!

As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) gears up for its 14th season starting March 13, 2026, the league is on a trajectory of growth that suggests a bright future for women’s soccer in America. With a total of 16 teams, the league will welcome two new expansion franchises—**Boston Legacy** and **Denver Summit**—further expanding its reach across the nation. Defending champions **Gotham FC** are set to defend their title as teams prepare for a grueling 30-game regular season that concludes on November 1, followed by playoff matches from November 6 to 21.

**NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman** has expressed ambitions for the league, suggesting that it could one day rival the **NFL**, which boasts a 32-team structure. "As the league's popularity grows, we're optimistic about expanding our teams across the nation," Berman stated. As part of this evolution, seven teams will be introducing new coaching staff. Notably, **Filipa Patao** will lead the Boston Legacy, while **Nick Cushing** takes the reins at Denver Summit.

The league's growth isn't just confined to team numbers; it is also reflected in player contracts. **Trinity Rodman**, one of the league’s standout players and a member of the **U.S. Women’s National Team**, is making a comeback after a serious back injury. Rodman recently signed a record extension with **Washington Spirit**, valued at over $2 million per year, a significant milestone in women’s sports. "I’m just really happy to be back; I missed doing what I love," she expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of her injury.

In a sign of the evolving landscape, **Naomi German**, a defender for **Chelsea F.C.**, has achieved a milestone by becoming the first player in the NWSL to earn a $1 million contract. However, it's important to note that despite these advancements, the women’s league still represents just 1% of the spending compared to its male counterpart.

The salary cap for NWSL teams has been raised to **$3.3 million** for rosters of **22-26 players**, supported by a new revenue-sharing mechanism aimed at improving player compensation through unrestricted free agency. This move is indicative of a larger trend toward financial equity in women’s sports, as the league seeks to build on its momentum.

As the NWSL prepares for its season, the soccer world is also looking ahead to the **2026 Men’s World Cup**, co-hosted by the **USA**, **Canada**, and **Mexico**. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams, with the opening match scheduled for **June 11** and the final on **July 19**. The U.S. Men's National Team is set to compete in Group D alongside **Paraguay**, **Australia**, and a team yet to be determined. Matches will take place in cities including **Atlanta**, **Boston**, **Dallas**, **Houston**, **Kansas City**, **Los Angeles**, **Miami**, **New York-New Jersey**, **Philadelphia**, **San Francisco**, and **Seattle**.

In local soccer developments, players like **Ava Frye** and **Meghan Andersen** from **FC 814** have recently participated in the National **ODP** (Olympic Development Program) tryouts, competing with the nation's top 64 field players for a spot on the national team. The tryouts took place in **Orlando, Florida**, from **January 22-26**, and players await results via email.

In high school competition, **Summit Athletic Club** concluded its **FC 814 Classic Tournament**. Highlights included **Altoona Maroon** winning the high school girls’ championship against **Bishop Guilfoyle**, while **Bishop Guilfoyle** claimed the junior high title. In high school boys’ play, **Hollidaysburg** triumphed over **Bedford** in the D1 bracket, with **Ligonier Valley** defeating **Hollidaysburg** in D2.

As winter league play recently commenced at the **Northern Blair County Recreation Center**, which runs until mid-to-late March, the NWSL and local soccer continue to grow, reflecting the increasing popularity of the sport across various levels in the United States.