NWSL Authorizes Internal Loans and Grants Funds to Expansion Teams

News in the NWSL: Intra-League Loans and Financial Support for Expansion Teams

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced significant changes that will impact the league’s structure, including the implementation of inter-team loans and increased financial support for expansion teams. These modifications aim to align the NWSL with global football practices and boost the league’s growth. Stephanie Lee, Vice President of Player Affairs for the NWSL, highlighted the league’s intention to adapt to international standards to improve its positioning. With the arrival of Boston Legacy FC and the Denver team (still unnamed) in 2026, the NWSL will have 16 teams.

Financial Support for Expansion Teams

The new expansion teams, Boston and Denver, will receive significant financial support. Starting July 1st, they will have access to up to $1,065,000 in allocation funds. The league will fund half of this amount automatically, while the teams will cover the rest at their discretion.

This capital, intended for the players’ salaries, is a valuable resource that the NWSL had planned to eliminate. Boston and Denver must use these funds before the end of 2027.

“We are trying to align ourselves more and more with our global counterparts”
Stephanie Lee, Vice President of Player Affairs of the NWSL

In addition, these teams will have a flexible salary cap of $250,000 to sign college players and international players without a contract, from the beginning of the next transfer period until the end of the year.

Intra-League Loans: A New Era

The most relevant novelty is the introduction of intra-league loans, allowing the 16 teams, including Boston and Denver, to loan players to other NWSL teams. This practice, common in other leagues worldwide, will facilitate player development and provide greater opportunities.

Previously, the lack of intra-league loans forced complex maneuvers, such as the case of Abby Dahlkemper, who was transferred and subsequently joined an expansion team. The implementation of loans will also allow Boston and Denver to sign players in the European market and loan them immediately in the NWSL.