Ahead of their stated first full season as the women's Division II in 2028, WPSL PRO has issued a fresh call for declarations of interest in a Fall 2027 season, with a deadline of December 31st.
The pitch targets current and post-collegiate, academy and high school players to be chosen by individual clubs, who can choose to field an amateur or professional side.
Speaking to the league, Michael Lazar, Chief of Soccer Markets and Pathways, U.S. Soccer said
Continuing to fill in the women’s pathway with more playing opportunities and jobs for those who want to pursue a career in women’s soccer is critical to the success of soccer in this country. In working across the women’s soccer landscape to help create a future where women’s soccer is more accessible, visible and thriving in communities across the country, we are happy to support organizations like WPSL PRO, who are investing in the environments, pathways and opportunities to make that happen.
Megan Oglesby, board member and investor in WPSL Pro, and owner of Carolina Core FC added:
The demand for more women’s soccer will only continue to grow as the U.S. comes out of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and builds toward hosting the 2028 Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031. WPSL PRO seeks to be the connective force for leagues, ownership groups, players, coaches, fans and sponsors to work together and extend women’s professional soccer opportunities to more people and communities across the United States.
Gina Prodan-Kelly, board member and CEO of Cleveland Soccer Group spoke to Northland Soccer Journal about the timeline.
WPSL Pro knows next summer will be special, and while the World Cup is one event, we know it's also an opportunity to not only grow the number of people watching soccer — but how many different communities have access to the game, at a very high level, in person. The U.S. produces world-class talent, generation after generation, and we're eager to ramp up this league and start creating more chances for these women to play.
The teams will be grouped regionally and play eight to ten matches. Playoffs will follow, with a champion crowned in October.
The clubs will be a blend of those that have already committed to the league and newcomers to their markets. At the time of publication, 14 clubs have committed: AC Houston Sur, Cleveland Astra, Dakota Fusion FC, Georgia Impact FC, Indios Denver FC, Northern Colorado Rain FC, Oklahoma City FC, Real Central NJ, Sioux Falls City FC, an unnamed Southern California club, Soda City FC, SouthStar FC, WPSL East Bay, FC Wichita, Austin Rise FC
Of the declared clubs, Dakota Fusion FC are unlikely to take part in the ramp up, and Sioux Falls City have already put their operations on pause. Cleveland Astra and Carolina Core seem likely competitors, although the makeup of the regions is unannounced.
Stay tuned to Northland Soccer Journal for updates as the date gets closer.
