NWSL 2026: Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC Make Historic Debuts

American women’s football is expanding at pace as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) welcomes two brand new expansion clubs to its ranks for the 2026 season: Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC.

Two New Clubs Join the NWSL

Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC represent the latest chapter in the NWSL’s remarkable growth story. Both clubs bring significant financial backing and ambitious plans to develop women’s football in their respective cities, which have passionate sporting cultures and large potential fanbases.

Boston Legacy FC will play in one of America’s most storied sporting cities, home to passionate fans across multiple sports. The club has invested heavily in recruitment, targeting experienced NWSL players alongside fresh international talent. Denver Summit FC brings women’s football to the Rocky Mountain region for the first time at the top level, with strong community connections and a state-of-the-art training facility.

World Cup Pause

The 2026 NWSL season faces a unique challenge — the league has announced a pause from June 1 to June 28 as seven NWSL markets host FIFA World Cup matches. This means the two new clubs will have a brief interruption to their debut campaigns as global football attention turns to the Men’s World Cup.

The NWSL Challenge Cup — featuring Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit — is scheduled for June 26, providing action during the pause period.

Growing the Game

The NWSL’s expansion to include Boston and Denver reflects the booming popularity of women’s football in the United States. League attendance records have been broken consistently in recent seasons, and the arrival of two more clubs will only accelerate the competition’s status as one of the world’s premier women’s football leagues — attracting top international talent alongside homegrown USWNT stars.