NWSL Expansion: New Career Opportunities in Women's Soccer
October 08, 2026
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NWSL Expansion: Why the Growth of Women's Soccer Is Creating New Sports Career Opportunities
Women's professional soccer is growing, and the opportunities to build a career in the sport are growing with it.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is entering another major chapter of expansion.
After welcoming Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC in 2026, the league now features 16 teams. Two additional franchises in Atlanta and Columbus are scheduled to begin play in 2028, bringing the league to 18 clubs.
But the NWSL isn't stopping there.
Speaking at Leaders Week London on October 8, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman revealed that the league is preparing to explore expansion opportunities for teams 19 and 20, with a long-term vision that could eventually see the league reach 30 franchises.
That growth represents more than additional teams on the field.
It means potential new opportunities in scouting, coaching, analytics, marketing, athlete management, broadcasting, sponsorships, and sports business operations.
For anyone looking to break into professional sports, women's soccer is an industry worth watching.
NWSL Expansion: From 16 Teams to 20 and Beyond
The growth of the NWSL reflects increasing investment and interest in women's professional sports.
The league's expansion plans include:
- 2026: Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC join the league, bringing it to 16 teams.
- 2028: Atlanta and Columbus are scheduled to join, increasing the league to 18 teams.
- Future Expansion: The NWSL is preparing to evaluate opportunities for its 19th and 20th franchises.
- Long-Term Vision: Commissioner Jessica Berman has discussed the possibility of the league eventually reaching 30 teams.
The 19th and 20th franchises have not yet been awarded, and there is no confirmed timeline for reaching 30 teams.
Still, the direction is clear.
Women's professional soccer is attracting investment, expanding into new markets, and creating the infrastructure needed to support a larger professional sports league.
And every new organization needs people to help operate it.
What Jobs Does NWSL Expansion Create?
When a professional sports league expands, teams must build more than a competitive roster.
They also need front offices, coaching staffs, scouting departments, marketing teams, and business operations.
That creates potential career opportunities across several areas.
Soccer Scouting and Player Personnel
Expansion teams need professionals who can identify talent, evaluate players, understand roster construction, and support recruitment decisions.
Soccer Analytics
Data and performance analysis play an increasingly important role in evaluating players, studying opponents, and supporting coaching and front-office decisions.
Sports Marketing and Sponsorships
New franchises need to build fan bases, attract sponsors, establish partnerships, and connect with their communities.
Athlete Management
As women's soccer grows, athletes may need professional representation to navigate contracts, endorsements, sponsorships, and career opportunities.
Broadcasting and Digital Media
More teams and matches create additional content needs, including game coverage, social media, video production, storytelling, and digital marketing.
Sports Business Operations
Ticket sales, community relations, event management, facility operations, and administration are essential to running a professional sports organization.
The important takeaway: You don't have to be a professional soccer player to build a career in the NWSL.
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook: Relationships Matter in Sports Careers
For Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), the growth of professional sports reinforces the importance of developing industry knowledge and building meaningful relationships.
In a November 2025 LinkedIn article about networking and career opportunities, Lashbrook wrote:
“Sports is a relationship-driven industry.
— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President & Founder, Sports Management Worldwide
That message is especially relevant as women's professional soccer expands.
New teams need qualified professionals, but aspiring candidates also need to understand how the industry operates and develop relationships with people already working inside it.
The best time to start building those relationships is before your dream job becomes available.
How to Start a Career in Women's Professional Soccer
Breaking into professional soccer requires more than following the league or understanding the game.
Aspiring professionals should focus on developing practical skills that sports organizations need.
That might mean learning how to evaluate players, analyze performance data, negotiate contracts, build sponsorship relationships, or manage sports marketing campaigns.
It also means gaining experience wherever possible.
College athletics, youth soccer organizations, amateur clubs, internships, and entry-level sports business positions can all provide valuable opportunities to develop skills and build relationships.
You don't need to start your career with an NWSL franchise to eventually work for one.
Prepare for a Career in Soccer With Sports Management Worldwide
Sports Management Worldwide offers specialized online courses designed to help aspiring professionals develop skills and connect with experienced sports industry mentors.
For individuals interested in working in women's professional soccer, several SMWW programs are particularly relevant.
Learn about player evaluation, scouting reports, recruitment, roster construction, and the business of managing professional soccer organizations.
Develop an understanding of how professional soccer organizations use data, performance analysis, and technology to evaluate players and support decision-making.
Explore athlete representation, contract negotiations, endorsements, sponsorships, and the business of managing professional athletes.
Sports Media & Content Strategy
Learn about digital content, social media, storytelling, and communications strategies used throughout professional sports.
SMWW's goal is to help aspiring sports professionals turn their passion into practical skills, industry relationships, and career opportunities.
The Future of Women's Soccer Is Bigger Than the Game
The NWSL's expansion is another sign of how quickly the business of women's sports is evolving.
New franchises bring new ownership groups, new markets, new sponsorship opportunities, and new investments.
They also require people who understand how to build and operate successful professional sports organizations.
For aspiring sports professionals, that means the growth of women's soccer isn't just something to celebrate as a fan.
It's something to prepare for as a future employee, executive, scout, analyst, agent, or sports business professional.
As the NWSL moves toward 18 teams and evaluates additional expansion, now is an opportunity to develop the knowledge and relationships that could help you become part of the industry's future.
Don't just watch women's soccer grow. Prepare to build your career in it.
Explore SMWW Sports Career Courses
Frequently Asked Questions About NWSL Expansion and Women's Soccer Careers
How many teams are in the NWSL in 2026?
The National Women's Soccer League has 16 teams in 2026, following the addition of Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC.
Is the NWSL expanding to 20 teams?
The NWSL plans to reach 18 teams in 2028, with new franchises in Atlanta and Columbus. Commissioner Jessica Berman has confirmed that the league is preparing to evaluate opportunities for teams 19 and 20, although those franchises have not yet been awarded.
What jobs are available in women's professional soccer?
Professional women's soccer organizations employ people in scouting, coaching, analytics, sports marketing, ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting, athlete management, community relations, and business operations.
How do I get a job with an NWSL team?
Start by developing relevant sports industry skills, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, and networking with professionals working in soccer. Specialized education in scouting, analytics, marketing, or sports management can help strengthen your qualifications.
Do you need to play professional soccer to work in the NWSL?
No. Many professional soccer careers are on the business and operations side of the sport. Experience in marketing, analytics, finance, sales, communications, and administration can be valuable to professional teams.
How can SMWW help me prepare for a career in women's soccer?
Sports Management Worldwide offers online courses in Soccer Management & Scouting, Soccer Analytics, Athlete Management, and Sports Media & Content Strategy. These programs help students develop industry-specific skills while learning from experienced professionals.
