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It’s official, the city will host an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League, due to kick off in the 2026 season.
The Hubs team will take the pitch at White Stadium in the city’s Franklin Park, according to an announcement from the league Tuesday.
The Boston Unity Soccer Partners won the expansion bid to become the league’s 15th team.
“I’m excited to expand the NWSL’s footprint and continue its transformative growth in our return to Boston, one of the world’s most iconic sports cities,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman in a statement announcing the franchise. “We are very proud to welcome Boston Unity Soccer Partners to our ownership group. They bring an impressive roster of business leaders committed to continuing Boston’s legacy of sports excellence and delivering a successful team to a very passionate fanbase. We are thrilled for their entry to the league in the 2026 season and add a new chapter to the storied history of Boston sports.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has scheduled a 2 p.m. press conference at city hall with the NWSL to announce the new team.
The team is due to play at White Stadium in Franklin Park. City officials toured the facility in June after the BUSP submitted the only response to a request for proposals at the site which remains in need of a $30 million overhaul. Upgrade costs at the stadium would be split between the city and the team, according to the plans laid out in June.
The team plans to transform White Stadium “into a top-tier facility,” according to Tuesday’s announcement and is working with the city to cater changes to both the needs of NWSL play and surrounding students.
The BUSP ownership group is made of a powerhouse core group of female business leaders including Juno Equity Founder/Boston Celtics Minority Owner Jennifer Epstein, strategic marketer and brand builder Stephanie Connaughton, Women’s Foundation of Boston Co-Founder/CFO Ami Danoff and Flybridge Capital General Partner Anna Palmer.
“Boston is the greatest sports city in the world, and we are thrilled to bring the NWSL back to this passionate fan base,” said Epstein. “Our goal is to build a championship-caliber franchise that the city can be proud of, both on the pitch and in the community. “
Mayor Wu said Boston Unity would take it’s place among the city’s roster of champions.
“Boston sets the standard for athletic excellence and fans’ devotion to our teams. It’s fitting and absolutely thrilling for Boston to be a home for women’s soccer, hosting a franchise that will partner so closely with our community and especially our schools,” Wu said in a statement. “I look forward to the revitalization of White Stadium and the partnership of this team and league to create new opportunities in Franklin Park and for our student-athletes citywide.”
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