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3d ago

NWSL Seeks Approval for Division II League to Launch in 2026

The proposed second-tier league aims to bolster player development and expand the professional soccer framework in the U.S., with eight clubs already committed.

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Overview

  • The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has formally applied to U.S. Soccer for sanctioning of a Division II league set to launch in 2026.
  • The new league is designed to serve as a developmental tier, creating a structured pipeline for emerging talent to progress to the top flight and national teams.
  • Eight of the NWSL’s 14 clubs have committed to fielding second-division teams, with all franchises required to establish affiliates within four years.
  • U.S. Soccer’s licensing requirements for Division II leagues include a minimum of six teams, stadiums with at least 2,000 seats, and owners with a net worth of $7.5 million or more.
  • If all proposed leagues, including the NWSL Division II and WPSL Pro, are successfully launched, the number of professional women’s soccer teams in the U.S. could grow from 12 in 2023 to around 50 by 2026.