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NWSL Expansion: Kansas City & Sacramento Join the League

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 14:08 GMT by USA Today
      Locales: California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Washington, New Jersey, UNITED STATES

RENTON, Wash. - The energy surrounding the National Women's Soccer League was palpable at Tuesday's media day, held at the Seattle Sounders FC training facility. The event served not just as a platform for player interviews, but as a powerful signal of a league experiencing unprecedented growth, facing crucial challenges, and boldly stepping into a promising future. With two new expansion teams poised to join the competition in 2026, and ongoing player advocacy for improved playing conditions, the NWSL is demonstrating a dynamic evolution.

Expansion Heats Up: Kansas City & Sacramento Join the Fold

The league's continued expansion is a testament to its rising popularity and financial viability. Reyna FC, set to be based in Kansas City, and Sacramento Republic FC, joining from the USL Championship, represent strategic additions to the NWSL landscape. Reyna FC is anticipated to capitalize on a passionate local fanbase, drawing upon the city's rich sporting history and dedicated soccer community. Sacramento Republic, already established as a prominent club with strong ties to MLS, brings a significant new market and an existing infrastructure geared toward professional soccer. This expansion isn't simply about adding teams; it's about broadening the league's reach, tapping into new revenue streams, and solidifying the NWSL's position as a leading women's sports entity.

Alex Morgan, star forward for the San Diego Wave FC, highlighted the positive impact of expansion. "It's so exciting to see the growth of the league," she stated. "The expansions are bringing in new fan bases and players, and it's just raising the profile of women's soccer in the U.S." The arrival of new teams invariably injects fresh talent into the player pool, intensifies competition, and creates exciting rivalries, all of which contribute to a more compelling product for fans.

Portland Thorns FC's Sophia Smith echoed this sentiment. "More teams means more talent," she explained. "It's going to push everyone to get better and make the league even more competitive." This competitive pressure isn't just beneficial for the league's on-field product. It also drives up the overall standard of play, attracting more international talent and fostering a greater emphasis on player development.

The Turf Debate: A Continuing Battle for Player Safety

Beyond the excitement surrounding expansion, a persistent issue dominated discussions: the quality of playing surfaces. The debate over artificial turf versus natural grass has been a recurring theme in the NWSL, and this year's media day saw players once again forcefully advocating for a shift towards natural grass fields. Players cite concerns about increased injury rates, the physical toll of playing on hard surfaces, and the impact on performance.

"We're advocating for natural grass everywhere," Morgan passionately asserted. "It's safer, it's better for our bodies, and it's just a better playing surface overall." The arguments are compelling. Studies have demonstrated a correlation between artificial turf and higher rates of certain injuries, particularly non-contact ACL tears. The added stress on joints and muscles can also contribute to fatigue and long-term health issues.

Smith added, "We want to play on the best possible surface so we can perform at our best and stay healthy." The pursuit of peak performance is paramount for professional athletes, and players believe that natural grass offers a more conducive environment for showcasing their skills. However, the transition to natural grass isn't straightforward. It often requires significant investment in field maintenance, particularly in regions with challenging climates. Furthermore, the sharing of facilities with men's soccer teams, who often prefer turf, presents a logistical hurdle.

The NWSL has acknowledged the concerns and made some inroads in replacing turf with natural grass at certain venues, but progress has been slow. The league is actively exploring solutions, including incentivizing teams to invest in natural grass fields and working with stadium owners to prioritize player safety.

Looking Ahead: A League on the Rise

Despite the challenges posed by the turf debate, the atmosphere at media day was overwhelmingly optimistic. Jessica Klingman, the NWSL's interim commissioner, painted a picture of a league thriving on multiple fronts. "We're in a really good place right now," Klingman stated. "We're building something special here, and we're excited about the future."

This optimism is well-founded. Viewership numbers are climbing, attendance is increasing, and corporate investment is flowing into the league. The NWSL is attracting a broader audience, fueled by compelling storylines, star power, and a growing recognition of the exceptional athleticism and skill of its players. The league's focus on player empowerment, combined with its commitment to expanding its reach, positions it for continued success in the years to come. The 2026 season, with the addition of Reyna FC and Sacramento Republic FC, promises to be a landmark year for the NWSL, marking a new chapter in the evolution of women's soccer in the United States.