Rachel Bachman, a sports reporter for WSJ, dives into the exciting evolution of women's soccer. She discusses Denver's groundbreaking decision to establish a dedicated stadium for a new pro team, symbolizing a major investment shift in the sport. The rising demand and attendance post-2019 World Cup reveal a newfound confidence from owners. Bachman also highlights the competitive nature of bids for teams, backed by influential figures like Caitlin Clark, emphasizing the financial potential and future growth in women's professional sports.
The unprecedented $110 million investment in Denver's women’s soccer franchise signifies a transformative financial confidence in women's sports.
The commitment to build dedicated stadiums for women’s soccer reflects a new standard that supports long-term viability and community engagement.
Deep dives
Record-Breaking Investments in Women's Soccer
A new team in Denver has been granted to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), with an unprecedented investment of $110 million, reflecting a significant shift in funding for women's sports. This investment is not only the largest for women's soccer, but it sets a record for all women's sports, indicating a new era of financial confidence from owners. The commitment from Denver to build a dedicated practice facility and stadium marks a notable change, as only a year prior, true professional stadiums for women's teams were virtually non-existent. Such investments signal growing recognition of women's sports as viable business opportunities, fostering optimism for future growth and sustainability.
Transforming the Business Model of Women's Soccer
Historically, women's soccer leagues operated on a shoestring budget, with players often utilizing inadequate facilities and low pay, making long-term survival uncertain. The NWSL faced significant challenges upon its inception in 2013, including skepticism from financiers and a lack of dedicated venues, which limited revenue opportunities from sponsorship and advertising. However, the triumphant victory of the U.S. Women’s National Team in the 2019 World Cup sparked increased interest and investment in women's soccer, changing the narrative from a reluctant rental model to one that embraces ownership and tailored venues. The emergence of teams like the Kansas City Current, which successfully built a specialized stadium, illustrates the shifting landscape and demonstrates growing confidence among investors.
Competitive Expansion and Rising Interest
The recent bidding for new NWSL teams saw fierce competition from several cities, highlighting a surge in demand for women's soccer franchises. Aspirants included notable bids from cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland, with unique proposals aimed at fostering community engagement and professional growth. The successful bid from Denver, which emphasized the importance of having its own facilities, illustrated a strategic approach where ownership and dedicated stadiums are becoming critical for future expansion. As franchises in the NWSL continue to grow in popularity, the expectation of constructing dedicated stadiums is set to become an industry standard, likely resulting in a transformed ecosystem for women’s professional soccer.
Denver was named the winner of a new women’s pro soccer franchise last month, in part because it plans to build one of the first stadiums exclusively for the league. WSJ’s Rachel Bachman explains the seismic shift in women’s sports - and the big money that is coming with it.