By OkayGoal 
The NWSL is expanding rapidly. In 2026, two new teams — Boston Legacy and Denver Summit — will join the growing list of professional female soccer teams in the U.S. It has been the subject of many debates about where the league will expand next. The investment in a specific area depends on many factors, including existing infrastructure, location, cost, and fanbase, among others.
Here, let’s explore 6 cities where the NWSL would thrive.
1. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati was a finalist for the NWSL’s 16th team, losing the bid to Denver in the final stages.
However, Cinci has a strong claim. The current men’s side FC Cincinnati plays at a soccer-specific stadium (TQL Stadium) that would be available for an NWSL team to use. TQL Stadium has a capacity of over 20,000 people. Ownership is in favor of housing an NWSL expansion team, believing their historically dedicated fanbase would welcome a new team. Plus, WNBA star Caitlin Clark supported the bid.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin is also perfectly poised for a new NWSL team. The new Q2 stadium, home to Austin FC, provides a reliable and convenient soccer home for an NWSL expansion team; Austin FC regularly sells out games, so the fanbase there is strong.
There is a semi-professional women’s team in Austin. Austin Rise FC, established in 2022, plays in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. While this is a stepping-stone team, the response from fans has been encouraging. Even U.S. National Team Players like Midge Purce and Alyssa Naeher have praised Austin’s facilities and community engagement.
3. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia, is currently home to Richmond Ivy, which plays in the USL W League. Ivy has garnered much support from the community since its 2024 initiation. Richmond is quickly becoming a soccer hub as local athletes and premier talent flock to the state capital for high-quality soccer. Advocacy work, local business partnerships, and community events have built a strong groundwork for an NWSL team to put down roots in Richmond.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
GEODIS Park hosted a USWNT Friendly on October 27, 2024, with an attendance of over 17,000. This was as good a test as any to prove that the venue and location are viable expansion options.
Similar to Cincinnati, the GEODIS Park stadium could be shared to cross-promote the men’s and women’s sides. A partnership with MLS’s Nashville SC would provide stability and double the opportunities for all players.
5. Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Minnesota
Minnesota Aurora FC is a USL W team that draws some of the most consistently high stadium numbers. For example, In 2023, the team averaged 5,500 fans, a figure that would have placed them in the top half of the NWSL by average attendance. They experience multiple sellout games a season. And that trend has continued to grow. Positive community relations and a strong soccer fanbase are in place here, ready for an NWSL expansion team.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, would fill a big gap in the current NWSL map, and there were previous plans to expand to a professional team there that were later cancelled. Phoenix is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. without a professional women’s soccer team. Currently, it’s home to Phoenix Rising FC and Desert Dreams FC, both of which have a solid, tight-knit fan base.
A potential drawback to settling here is the heat and climate, but some have suggested a climate-controlled facility would be worth the cost.
There you have it! Six cities where the NWSL would thrive. Wherever the NWSL decides to land its next bid, rest assured that women’s soccer fans are ready to show their support for the Beautiful Game.
Image via @geodispark
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