After the big news out of Chicago yesterday, who could have expected NISA to top itself 24 hours later?

This morning, NISA announced a partnership with United Women’s Soccer to launch a professional women’s league in 2022. The press release did not give many specifics but highlights the strength of UWS talent, operations, and the level of growth the league has seen over the last year. Which teams will make the jump to pro remain to be seen, but the quality of play shouldn’t be an issue.

"This is a game-changer for women’s professional soccer, and I’m thrilled for young players and aspiring pros,” said UWS Executive Director Stephanie Cleaves. “Two professional women’s soccer leagues have never co-existed before in the United States. More professional opportunities will lead to the advancement of the women’s game for organizations, players, their communities and supporters.”

John Prutch, NISA Commissioner, expressed an equal amount of excitement in the press release. “This alliance will provide women’s clubs, athletes, coaches, and staff a growth path to the highest levels of the game. We are thrilled with how NISA is growing and finding allies like UWS in creating an open system based on merit. The need is critical, and the opportunity is evident to advance the men’s and women’s game together.”

Some had guessed that this was the next big step for NISA on social media, though no one had pinned down any of the specifics of today’s announcement. There had been rumors of UWS approaching clubs about making the jump to professional, but again with few details beyond that. NISA has done a relatively solid job at managing announcements, limiting the number of leaks, so far.

The move is a big deal and incredibly exciting for the millions of women’s soccer fans throughout the country. It has a number of positives, including more paying jobs for women playing soccer, but the real test will be if the league can find the fans to foot the bill. Some markets have shown a willingness, so far, but the pandemic has delayed the test for many clubs’ fanbases. Regardless of the concerns, it’s hard to not be excited about the NISA/UWS partnership and what it would mean for 100s of talented players.

2022 will be quite a year for women’s soccer in the United States.

- Dan Vaughn