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WPSL Pro Announces Launch as U.S.'s First Second-Tier Women's Soccer League

Set to debut in 2026, the league will address developmental gaps in U.S. women's soccer with a $1 million franchise model and significant local investments like Cleveland's $50 million stadium.

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Overview

  • WPSL Pro will become the first second-tier women's professional soccer league in the U.S., launching with an abbreviated season in late 2026 and a full season in 2027.
  • The league will feature 16-20 teams, with each franchise required to pay a $1 million fee to join the competition.
  • Cleveland will host one of the founding franchises, with plans for a $50 million, 10,000-seat downtown stadium funded by Cleveland Soccer Group.
  • The league aims to bridge developmental gaps in women's soccer by creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities nationwide.
  • WPSL Pro builds on the foundation of the amateur WPSL, which has operated since 1998 and grown to over 100 teams.