Jessica Berman, the NWSL commissioner, addressed the media on Friday to provide updates on the league’s expansion plans as well as year-end metrics ahead of the 2023 NWSL Championship. During the press conference, Berman also announced the formation of the Women’s Leagues Forum, a new entity comprising women’s soccer leagues from around the world.
Viewership and attendance for the NWSL have seen significant growth in the past year. The league recently secured a four-year media deal with CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and Scripps worth $240 million. CBS viewership alone increased by 41 percent, with an 83 percent increase in viewership for matches streamed on Paramount+. Regular season attendance also saw a boost, with median attendance up by 40 percent and an average attendance increase of 26 percent, totaling over 1.2 million tickets sold across the league.
Furthermore, the expansion process for a 16th team has been initiated. The NWSL is looking for potential investor groups from various markets in the U.S. to join alongside Boston in 2026. The league is being assisted by Inner Circle Sports, an industry-specific investment bank that has advised the NWSL on previous expansions.
Additionally, Berman announced the establishment of the Women’s Leagues Forum, a group that includes leaders from 16 international professional women’s leagues. The forum aims to collaborate and exchange information and best practices related to the development of women’s soccer. The board is co-chaired by Berman and Annika Grälls, the chair of the Damallsvenskan in Sweden.
Furthermore, Berman addressed other key details, including the NWSL’s decision not to play through next summer’s Olympic tournament, player development and academies, and the new competition from the USL’s women’s professional league.
Looking ahead, Berman emphasized the league’s commitment to growth and stated that they aspire for the NWSL to be the best league in the world. The commissioner emphasized the need for strategic investments to achieve this goal.
The news of the league’s progress and plans for expansion and development comes as exciting news for NWSL fans and ensures the continued growth and success of women’s soccer in the United States.