Second-tier US women’s soccer league coming in 2026

WASHINGTON: A second-tier women’s professional soccer league is coming to the United States for the first time next year.

WPSL Pro announced its plans on Wednesday, with 15 teams already confirmed to compete.

“WPSL Pro is the bridge that’s been missing — not just for players, but for the communities, investors and brands ready to be part of the next chapter in women’s sports,” Sean Jones, the league’s co-founder, said in a statement.

The league will launch with an abbreviated fall season following the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup, which is being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. A complete April-to-October season will begin in 2027.

According to ESPN, WPSL Pro expects to have 16-20 teams, with each paying a $1 million franchise fee.

A league spokesperson told ESPN that the league is considering giving its players equity in the league.

“We are building WPSL Pro for players, for clubs, and for communities — and we’re excited to deliver a league that can unlock the still untapped potential of women’s soccer at scale,” said Benno Nagel, co-founder and project director of WPSL Pro, in a statement.

Separately, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted at Atlanta’s potential as a host for the 2031 Women’s World Cup as he brought the Club World Cup trophy to the city’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night.

Standing alongside Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Infantino praised the city’s sporting credentials ahead of this summer’s expanded Club World Cup tournament. “Atlanta has really become a soccer city,” Infantino said.

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“The fact that the stadium was built where you can play football and soccer at the same time shows how much the city and everyone involved in sport in the city cares about the sport in general.”

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host six matches during the tournament, including three knockout games, when the competition runs from June 15 to July 13.