NWSL Commissioner Eyes Expansion to NFL Size, All-Star Game Anticipated

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Commissioner Jessica Berman has stated the league’s ambition to grow to the size of the National Football League, with veteran player Tobin Heath predicting the addition of an All-Star game as a natural progression of that expansion.

Berman expressed confidence in the NWSL’s potential, stating the only impediment to reaching a 32+ team scale is “the lack of talent.” The league is already planning for growth, with two new teams set to join in 2026 and a potential 17th franchise under consideration. This expansion is expected to significantly increase revenue and fan engagement for the league.

Speaking on the RE—INC podcast yesterday, Heath elaborated on how the league’s evolution might resemble those of other major American sports leagues. “I do predict that as we continue to get more franchises in the NWSL, we will have an All-Star game, and we will have East vs West,” she remarked. She even constructed hypothetical East and West All-Star lineups, including players like Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride and Mina Tanaka of Utah Royals. The current NWSL season culminates solely with Shield and Championship wins, but a larger league footprint could support a more expansive showcase event like the NFL Pro Bowl Games.

The potential for an NWSL All-Star game mirrors the format previously used by the WNBA, where conferences competed until 2017, and now features captain-selected teams. League officials are currently focused on solidifying the upcoming expansion teams and anticipate further discussions regarding potential new events as the league continues to develop. You can find more information about the NWSL at the official NWSL website.

The NWSL is expected to announce further details regarding the 17th franchise in the coming months.