NWSL submits application to U.S. Soccer for Division II league

The National Women’s Soccer League has officially filed an application with U.S. Soccer for a Division II league, CBS Sports reported on Friday morning. The league is set to launch in 2026.

According to CBS Sports, the application was filed on April 1, 2025. In the letter, obtained by CBS, Berman compared the NWSL Division II league to the minor league baseball system.

Berman wrote that it is “imperative that NWSL creates a robust pipeline for world-class athletes to fuel the [existing Division I league’s] explosive growth.”

An NWSL spokesperson replied to The Equalizer’s request to comment, confirming the application.

“The National Women’s Soccer League has formally submitted an application and supporting documentation for a new Division II league to the United States Soccer Federation,” the spokesperson said. “As a global leader in the women’s soccer landscape both on and off the pitch, the NWSL and its member clubs are committed to growing our sport in meaningful ways. The demand for professional soccer has never been higher.

“We look forward to working to build a strong foundation for future generations of players, officials and coaches and ensure the continued advancement of the women’s game.”

“This really is about developing the path from the youth levels of the game to the professional level.” 👏@pcattry gives us the scoop on the @NWSL’s newly proposed Division II League ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/wPcqFFD9vI

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 25, 2025

According to the application, eight NWSL teams currently have teams lined up for a 2026 start: Bay FC, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, Racing Louisville, Seattle Reign and Washington Spirit.

In the application, it’s noted that the Division II sides will play in the same stadiums as the senior teams. The breakdown of the season includes a “traditional, double round-robin league where they play each team twice — once at home, once away.” At the conclusion of the 14-game regular-season, the league will host a playoff format with the top four teams qualifying.

According to CBS Sports, all current NWSL teams will have a Division II team by the fourth year, which would correlate to 2029. However, teams that are unaffiliated with the NWSL “will also be welcome to join the Division II league at some point.”