The National Women's Soccer League is the premier women's professional league sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation. The NWSL, which features top players from around the world, held its inaugural game on April 13, 2013. FC Kansas City and Portland Thorns FC played to a 1-1 draw in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,784 at Shawnee Mission District Stadium in Overland Park, Kansas.
The NWSL consisted of eight teams during its inaugural season. The league has since doubled, with plans to field 16 clubs in 2026. The latest expansion team, Denver, announced that its name would be Denver Summit FC.
Here's a look at the NWSL franchises and when each one began playing in the league:
Active
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Began NWSL play in 2022
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Began NWSL play in 2024
Boston Legacy FC
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Set to begin NWSL play in 2026 (previously BOS Nation FC)
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Began NWSL play in 2013 (as Chicago Red Stars)
Denver Summit FC
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Set to begin NWSL play in 2026
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Began NWSL play in 2014
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Began NWSL play in 2021 (as Kansas City NWSL)
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Began NWSL play in 2013 (as Sky Blue FC)
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Began NWSL play in 2017
Editor's Picks
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Began NWSL play in 2016
Portland Thorns FC
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Began NWSL play in 2013
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Began NWSL play in 2021
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Began NWSL play in 2022
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Began NWSL play in 2013
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Began NWSL play in 2018 (ceased operations in 2020, re-established in 2023)
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Began NWSL play in 2013
Defunct
Boston Breakers
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Began NWSL play in 2013
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Final season in 2017
FC Kansas City
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Began NWSL play in 2013
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Final season in 2017
Western New York Flash
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Began NWSL play in 2013
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Final season in 2016