When NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman revealed the league’s future growth plans, she described them as “ambitious and aggressive.” Having kicked off in 2013 with just eight teams, it is set to feature 16 clubs by 2026. And in the years to follow, the league expects to expand to 30 teams—mirroring the size of the men’s game—a target Berman once claimed there’s “no reason” they couldn’t surpass. In fact, Cleveland was the latest city to chase a coveted expansion team, but their bid ultimately fell short — or so it seemed. Now, there’s a twist: the city is getting a club, but not in the NWSL. Instead, it will compete in an entirely new US Soccer league!

Yes, you heard that right. For the first time, the women’s soccer landscape in the United States is set to feature a second division ranked below the National Women’s Soccer League. Named the Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPSL Pro), the new competition is expected to launch sometime in late 2025, according to an announcement reported by ESPN. Interestingly, the original plan was to introduce it as a third-division league.

However, the stakeholders ultimately decided to ‘scale up and fill a gap in U.S. Soccer’s pyramid.’ Sean Jones, co-founder of WPSL Pro addressed the launching saying, “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.”

Interestingly, Cleveland Soccer Group will be leading the launch of the WPSL Pro as a founding club. It’s the least they deserve after falling short in their bid to join the top tier of American women’s soccer, as Denver secured the 16th franchise spot. In fact, the Ohio side has already drawn up its plan for its new venture. They are keen to splurge a whopping $50 million on a 10,000-seater dedicated stadium, which, of course, is less than originally planned for its NWSL bid. The proposed venue will also cater to the lower-decision men’s league MLS Pro teams.

Notably, Cleveland is a part of the confirmed 15 teams that are set to debut in the WPSL Pro. Each team will be paying over $1 million in franchise fees. As for the league, it will be operating from April to October. However, there won’t be any ribbon snipping happening before the impending 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup as the stakeholders have set their sights on a potential 2027 launch.

Then again, the keynote is that the WPSL Pro fills the long-awaited void as a second division of women’s soccer. As you may know, the USL Super League was intended to serve as a subordinate league to the NWSL. However, the league which comprises just eight teams ended up getting a first-division status, making it a direct rival of the latter.

That’s also because there’s no rule in the U.S. Soccer regulations stating that there can’t be more than one primary domestic league in the same tier. No wonder the USL also unveiled plans to launch its own men’s league. Yet, the real talking point remains the advent of WPSL Pro, which is set to do much more than just narrow a long-missed gap!

WPSL Pro and NWSL are the perfect match!

The impending American women’s soccer second-tier division is set to address major gaps that are still overlooked by the likes of NWSL or even USL. At least Cleveland Soccer Group co-founder and CEO Michael Murphy believes so. “WPSL Pro fixes a problem in this country. There are a lot of markets out there similar to Cleveland in that they want women’s professional soccer, and here’s an opportunity to bring it on a timeline and calendar that makes the most sense,” he said, as compiled by the Athletic.

There’s no doubt that professional opportunities for women’s soccer players in the U.S. have long been limited, especially beyond the top tier. But that won’t be the case anymore as there is now a clear pathway for players to compete professionally below the highest level of the pyramid. To recall, the WPSL has helped bridge that gap at the amateur level over the years since its founding in 1998.

It has offered a competitive platform for elite collegiate players, post-collegiate athletes, international talent, and standout prep prospects. But now it returns with a different approach, poised to build on that foundation and tap into the growing wave of investment and interest surrounding women’s professional sports.

WPSL Pro aims to not just offer a place for young players transitioning to the pro ranks, but also for seasoned veterans and international athletes looking for a competitive home. What’s more, with no collegiate draft system in place, international players now have another promising route to pursue their professional ambitions in the U.S.

Hence, expect a lot of developments that the WPSL Pro is set to bring coming forward.