When news broke about the NWSL’s application to create a Division II league, one query was clear: why. Commissioner Jessica Berman had previously shared plans to improve the transition from youth levels to professional soccer, emphasizing the lack of Division II leagues for women in the U.S. and the absence of reserve leagues that have traditionally served as a pathway for emerging talents.
The application notes key intentions, including:
- Eight Division I teams will participate in the inaugural 2026 season, with hopes to expand by 2030.
- Questions around player compensation, expansion impacts, and similarities with other reserve leagues remain unanswered.
Berman stated, “The short answers from us are basically, ‘don’t know, don’t know, don’t know.’”
Translation: Je shorter respuestas son, básicamente, ’no sabemos, no sabemos, no sabemos.’
Financial Aspects
The NWSL’s initiative includes logistical basics, ensuring inaugural teams play in the same venues as their Division I counterparts (including Bay FC, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, Racing Louisville, Seattle Reign, and Washington Spirit). This effort opens avenues for young talent, inexperienced coaches, and marketing innovations. However, the full implementation remains uncertain.
Operating a team in the USL Super League, for example, is estimated to cost between $3.4 million to $7.7 million annually, not taking into account the challenges of being prepared by the proposed start date next year. Berman emphasizes the progression is a work in progress, affirming that six months is a significant timeframe by NWSL standards.
Still, ongoing uncertainty poses challenges for all involved within the NWSL spectrum. This includes players, coaches, and referees who lack clarity on compensation for participation in the proposed league, a concern highlighted by the NWSL Players Association which stated that expansion must respect player contributions and livelihoods.
Future Considerations
One major inquiry is regarding available facilities, as most NWSL teams do not own their training sites. A significant complexity arises from scheduling games concurrently with FIFA’s Men’s World Cup, which will monopolize numerous facilities next summer, leading Berman to express the need for logistical evaluation.
- Berman elaborated: “When we realized the World Cup might overlap with our season, we understood that our venues would be unavailable. Thus, adjustments are necessary, questioning stadium availability and broadcast scheduling.*
- Quotes from industry leaders:
- “The league must effectively address logistical hurdles for smooth operation, given the persistent relevance of college soccer in player development,” said Lorne Donaldson.
As the NWSL’s Division II league aims to launch with eight teams next year, the potential competition for players with the WPSL Pro—which plans to feature 12 teams—could complicate matters considerably.
Overall, while the launch of a Division II league could fill existing gaps in women’s soccer development, its success will depend on effectively addressing existing challenges and strategic planning.
