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Sky‑high NFL/NBA valuations draw buyers to smaller leagues like the NWSL
business26 days ago

Sky‑high NFL/NBA valuations draw buyers to smaller leagues like the NWSL

High prices for NFL and NBA teams, driven by massive media-rights deals, are pushing investors to cheaper, smaller leagues like the NWSL. Expansion fees for new NWSL teams have surged (Columbus at $205M, up from earlier multi‑million marks), while overall league valuations climb to record levels. Private‑equity groups and consortium buyers are chasing these “second‑tier” sports as a way to gain exposure, causing bidding wars even as some bankers warn the underlying economics may not support such prices. The trend is underscored by record MLB sales and the broader value surge across professional sports, with little payoff in some women's leagues like the WNBA/NWSL aligned with new player deals, raising questions about long‑term profitability.)

via CNBC|
#business#media-rights#nwsl
Haslams Secure $205M NWSL Expansion in Columbus for 2028 Debut
sports1 month ago

Haslams Secure $205M NWSL Expansion in Columbus for 2028 Debut

The National Women’s Soccer League approved an 18th team in Columbus, owned by Haslam Sports Group with the Edwards family and Nationwide, for a record $205 million expansion fee. The club will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and begin play in 2028, with a new practice facility and stadium upgrades funded in part by $50 million in public funding ($25 million each from Franklin County and Columbus). The Haslams’ investment also includes contributions to the NWSL Foundation.

via Sportico.com|
#columbus#expansionfee#haslamsportsgroup
Columbus lands NWSL expansion, targeting 2028 debut
sports1 month ago

Columbus lands NWSL expansion, targeting 2028 debut

Columbus was awarded the NWSL’s 18th franchise, set to debut in 2028 with home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The ownership group is led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam alongside Nationwide and other partners, and the city of Columbus and Franklin County will each contribute $25 million toward a new training facility and stadium upgrades, financed by bonds repaid with a 2% ticket tax; the team must stay in Columbus for 25 years or funds can be clawed back. The deal includes a reported $205 million expansion fee (a league record) and an expected $300+ million total investment. The franchise will be referred to as Columbus NWSL 2028 until fans help choose a final name, with $28 deposits for tickets available online; a last-minute amendment required identifying a replacement site for McCoy Park if needed.

via The Columbus Dispatch|
#columbus#expansion-fee#haslam-sports-group
Reign FC signs UVU standout Hladek to pro deal through June 2026
sports2 months ago

Reign FC signs UVU standout Hladek to pro deal through June 2026

Seattle Reign FC signed forward Ruby Hladek to a short-term contract through June 2026 after she joined preseason as a non-roster invitee. The Utah Valley product racked up 24 goals and 32 assists in 60 starts for UVU, helping the Wolverines win three straight WAC titles and finishing as UVU’s all-time assists leader; she had a breakout 2025 with 15 goals and 13 assists, earning WAC Offensive Player of the Year as she begins her professional career with the Reign.

via Seattle Reign FC|
#nwsl#ruby-hladek#seattle-reign-fc
Nike Unveils 2026 NWSL Kits Highlighting Club Roots and Community
sports2 months ago

Nike Unveils 2026 NWSL Kits Highlighting Club Roots and Community

Nike released new primary, secondary, and third kits for all 16 NWSL clubs for the 2026 season, with designs inspired by each club’s roots, neighborhoods, and history; expansion clubs Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC also rolled out inaugural secondary kits, and the regular season opens March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting Portland Thorns FC.

via SportsLogos.Net News|
#expansion-teams#nike#nwsl
From Disco Balls to Lady Liberty: NWSL's 2026 Kit Spotlight
sports2 months ago

From Disco Balls to Lady Liberty: NWSL's 2026 Kit Spotlight

A look at five standout NWSL 2026 kits as teams unveil new designs, including Racing Louisville’s Disco Kit inspired by the city’s disco history, North Carolina Courage’s Become Kit with a carnivorous-plant theme, Washington Spirit’s Spirit in Bloom cherry-blossom motif, Gotham FC’s Lady Liberty Kit, and the Chicago Stars’ more traditional Gameday DNA kit. The debut of third kits for Boston Legacy and Denver Summit is noted, with commentary on how each design ties (or struggles to tie) to its city and brand.

via The Guardian|
#2026-season#design#kits
Trinity Rodman signs record-breaking $2M-a-year deal to stay with Washington Spirit
sports4 months ago

Trinity Rodman signs record-breaking $2M-a-year deal to stay with Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman signed a three-year deal worth over $2 million per season, making her the highest-paid women’s soccer player globally, enabled by the NWSL’s High Impact Player Rule. The move preserves a top star in the U.S. and cements her as a role model, even as the pact draws scrutiny from the players’ union amid ongoing debates over pay and league salary rules.

via GQ|
#high-impact-player-rule#historic-contract#nwsl
Rodman signs blockbuster NWSL extension, rewriting pay scales in women’s soccer
sports4 months ago

Rodman signs blockbuster NWSL extension, rewriting pay scales in women’s soccer

Trinity Rodman’s three-year extension with the Washington Spirit reportedly exceeds $2 million per year with bonuses, shattering the women’s football salary record and reigniting debate over the NWSL salary cap. The league previously vetoed an earlier contract, prompting the High Impact Player rule and a grievance from the NWSL Players Association, while Spirit officials insist the deal reflects elite talent and commitment to the club. Rodman, 23, Olympic gold medallist and daughter of Dennis Rodman, remains with the Spirit after weighing European interest and potential moves away from the NWSL.

via Al Jazeera|
#nwsl#salarycap#sports
Rodman Secures Landmark $1M+ AAV with Washington Spirit
sports4 months ago

Rodman Secures Landmark $1M+ AAV with Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman signed a three-year deal with the Washington Spirit averaging over $1 million per year, making her the highest-paid player in women’s soccer. The move follows transfer rumors and comes as the NWSL salary cap rises (to $3.5M in 2026, then to $5.1M by 2030). The 2026 season starts March 13. Rodman, an Olympic gold medalist, called the agreement a game-changing moment and said it opens doors for American players.

via Bleacher Report|
#nwsl#record-contract#sports