The National Women's Soccer League has announced that Boston will be their newest expansion team for 2026. The team will be owned by Boston Unity Soccer Partners, an all-women-core ownership group. This move adds more representation to the league and highlights women's importance in sports ownership.
“I’m excited to expand the NWSL’s footprint and continue its transformative growth in our return to Boston, one of the world’s most iconic sports cities,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman in a press release on Tuesday. “They bring an impressive roster of business leaders committed to continuing Boston’s legacy of sports excellence and delivering a successful team to a very passionate fanbase.”
This team will not be the first women's professional soccer club in Boston. In 2001, the Boston Breakers were founded. However, the team disbanded in 2018 due to financial troubles and a failed ownership deal. This news was met with disappointment from fans and players alike, as the team had played for 17 years and was one of the oldest teams in the league. Boston Unity Soccer Partners are confident that the new club will flourish, despite the fate of the Boston Breakers.
The soccer club's ownership group boasts strong ties to the local community and the determination to advance soccer, empower women, and enhance the community through sports. A diverse range of investors from various sectors of the Boston economy have rallied behind the club, with 95% of the invested capital stemming from women and 40% from investors of color.
By 2024, the NWSL will grow to 14 teams with the inclusion of Bay FC, a San Francisco-based team, and Utah Royals FC. Both teams have agreed to a $50 million deal for the acquisition of a team. A few years ago, the Utah owners had already agreed to pay between $2 million and $5 million.
The Boston team's club name is yet to be announced, but expect a reveal of the club's identity and crest in 2024. The team will proudly call George R. White Stadium in Franklin Park their home, right in the heart of Boston for match play. With the close collaboration between the ownership group and Mayor Michelle Wu, the stadium will be transformed into a premium sports venue.
Edited by: Anwen Venn
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