"With numerous expansion bids in the mix, Boston and Denver were selected in part because of their commitment to have purpose-built stadiums and/or training facilities a reflection of the NWSL's current priorities. Both are waiting for their stadiums to be completed but early signs of fan enthusiasm are there."
"On a recent episode of The Women's Game podcast, the NWSL commissioner, Jessica Berman, said on-field competitiveness is the marker for expansion side success this season: It has to be that the team can field a competitive roster. And so we will be looking to see if they're able to compete both on a game-over-game basis, each week, and then across the length of the season."
"Notably, Denver Summit's home opener at Empower Field, against Washington Spirit on 28 March, is poised to break the NWSL attendance record with more than 50,000 tickets sold. Selling seats and engaging fans will be central to the success of Boston and Denver."
The NWSL begins its 14th regular season with 16 teams competing in a 248-match schedule, with eight teams advancing to playoffs. Expansion defines this era, as Boston Legacy and Denver Summit become the eighth and ninth teams to join since the pandemic. Eight teams have joined since 2021, reflecting the league's growth strategy. Both expansion franchises prioritized purpose-built stadiums and training facilities. Denver Summit's home opener is projected to break NWSL attendance records with over 50,000 tickets sold. Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasizes that expansion team success depends on fielding competitive rosters and performing consistently throughout the season. Denver, managed by former Manchester City Women manager Nick Cushing, assembled a youthful squad including collegiate standout Jasmine Aikey and World Cup champion Lindsey Heaps.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]