The Washington Spirit is part of the NWSL's new era, with the 2026 season marking the beginning of NWSL 4.0. The league's evolution can be understood in four distinct phases.

What is NWSL 4.0?

NWSL 4.0 is the latest phase in the league's growth, with new ownership and investment bringing significant changes. The league started with 16 teams, including the addition of Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, and faced off on the field with a new era of ownership looking on.

How did the league get here?

The league's transformation began in 2021, with sports executive Marla Messing being appointed interim CEO, and later, commissioner Jessica Berman taking the helm. Michele Kang's $35 million investment in the Washington Spirit set the stage for eight-figure franchise valuations.

What's next for the league?

The next round of expansion is shaping the league, with ownership groups made up of billionaires instead of millionaires. The league awarded a group from Atlanta, led by Arthur Blank, the 17th expansion franchise with a record-setting $165 million bid. | Team | Expansion Fee | | --- | --- | | Atlanta | $165 million | | Denver Summit | $105 million | The league is expected to announce an 18th team in 2028, with the Haslam Sports Group expressing interest in bringing a team to Columbus.

What does this mean for Washington Spirit?

The new era of ownership and investment is expected to bring significant growth and excitement to the Washington Spirit and the NWSL as a whole. With the league's evolution, fans can expect to see new talent, new teams, and new opportunities for the Washington Spirit to succeed.