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Massachusetts: Boston To Get A Women’s Pro Soccer Team

Massachusetts received some exciting sports news this week. Boston will finally get a women’s professional soccer team. “The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded the city of Boston expansion rights…

Sophia Smith #9 of Portland Thorns FC looks for an opening to score in the second half of the 2022 National Womens Soccer League Championship Match against Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Boston has been awarded the next women's professional soccer team
Ira L. Black/Getty Images

Massachusetts received some exciting sports news this week. Boston will finally get a women's professional soccer team.

"The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded the city of Boston expansion rights for the franchise’s fifteenth team, according to Mayor Wu’s office," Boston 25 news reported. Moreover, the team will begin their league play in 2026.

Yesterday a press conference was held at City Hall with Mayor Wu in attendance. In addition, the National Women's Soccer League was onsite along with Boston Unity Soccer Partners to officially announce the club. The full team name, identity, and logo will be announced in 2024.

The NWSL stated that by expanding to Boston, they will bring, "world-class women’s soccer back to the country’s #9 media market to play in a region with a championship legacy for a fan base that has earned a reputation as one of the most passionate in all of global sport." The Boston team will play their home games at George R. White Stadium in Boston's Franklin Park.

Do You Remember The Boston Breakers?

This isn't the first time women's professional soccer has had a home in Boston. The Breakers were part of the Women's United Soccer Association back in 2000. That league dissolved after three years. Then, the Breakers were actually part of the NWSL from 2012 to 2018. Unfortunately, that team folded as well. We will have to see if the new team will be named the Breakers. Although Boston may choose to start from scratch with a brand new professional women's soccer team.

Who Will Be in Boston's Competition?

Earlier this year, the NWSL announced two additional expansion teams to join the league. They are Bay FC and Utah Royals FC. However, these two clubs will begin in 2024. In addition, here are the others that are already well-established.

  • Portland Thorns FC
  • San Diego Wave FC (Alex Morgan's team)
  • NJ/NY Gotham FC
  • North Carolina Courage
  • OL Reign
  • Washington Spirit
  • Orlando Pride
  • Angel City FC
  • Racing Louisville FC
  • Houston Dash
  • Kansas City Current
  • Chicago Red Stars

"Now in its 11th season, the NWSL is the fastest-growing professional sports league in the U.S. and in 2023, shattered its previous attendance record," the NWSL concludes. With Boston now getting a professional women's soccer team, there will certainly be a New England fanbase adding to that number.

The NWSL's 10th season saw Portland Thorn FC defeat the Kansas City Current in the championship.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.