Major League Soccer announced the launch of a professional women's league on Wednesday, establishing a 12-team competition that will begin play in spring 2027 with an initial $100 million investment from MLS owners.
The league, which does not yet have an official name, will feature franchises affiliated with existing MLS clubs in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, and Toronto. Each team will receive $8 million in initial funding for facilities and operations.
"American soccer has a significant gap at the professional women's level, and MLS is positioned to fill that gap," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "We have the infrastructure, expertise, and resources to build a sustainable women's league that serves fans and develops talent."
The league will operate separately from the National Women's Soccer League, which continues as the primary professional women's competition in the United States. Some existing NWSL clubs have expressed interest in joining the new league.
Player compensation and development will be central to the new league's mission. The league has committed to minimum salaries of $75,000 for rostered players, with revenue sharing arrangements that will increase compensation as the league grows.
The announcement has been welcomed by women's soccer advocates who have called for greater investment in the professional game. "This represents a transformational moment for women's soccer in America," said former national team star Mia Hamm.