NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said Wednesday that "it is our intention to admit Team 18, and we are targeting a 2028 launch."

The night prior, Berman stood on stage in Atlanta to announce that the NWSL's 17th team would begin play in the city at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2028. Arthur Blank, the owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS' Atlanta United , will own the yet-to-be-named NWSL Atlanta team.

The NWSL has recently expanded in pairs. Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC began play in 2022, followed by Bay FC and (the return of) Utah Royals FC in 2024. Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC kick off their expansion seasons next year.

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