This morning, the USL Super League announced the initial group of markets that would included in the launch of its upcoming professional women’s soccer league. The league, which is set to kick off in August of 2024, is setting off a buzz of excitement in the women’s soccer community. Unlike the USL W League, which is an amateur-only league, the Super League aims to be a division one league, which would put it at the same level as the NWSL, at least in designation.

The decision to launch as a division one league will force the Super League to fit a strict set of standards set by U.S. Soccer. It will also mean that many potential markets will no longer be in the running. The minimum standards require the league to have 75% of its clubs playing in a market with at least a million in population. There’s also a long list of requirements around the subjects of venues, ownership means, and many other aspects of club formation. Some have criticized the league for choosing division one status, rather than division two, but clearly the USL is aiming high and hoping to compete for a big share of the professional women’s game.

According to the press release from the Super League, the goal of the league is to “address the opportunity gap between men’s and women’s professional soccer in the United States, home of the world’s most successful women’s national team.” It highlights the massive gap in professional opportunity for women in the United States, with only 12 professional women’s soccer teams in the United States.

The USL is rapidly expanding, both downwards and upwards. On the men’s side, USL League One is expanding to include division three professional sides playing in cities previously ignored by professional leagues. League Two continues to welcome amateur clubs around the country, as USL works to standardize and stabilize operations and game standards. But the growth in USL is not limited to the men’s side. The W League just added two new divisions on the west coast, which included several legacy women’s clubs. The USL Academy program is growing opportunity for both boys and girls across the landscape and the USL is building chances for those players to continue their soccer journey in the league’s system.

USL CEO Alec Papadakis is clearly dreaming big. “Our aim is to make the USL Super League globally recognized and admired for its financial stability, operational excellence, community building and high-level competition.” That high level of competition includes a professional women’s league. “The USL Super League will sit at the top of our women’s pyramid with strong ownership groups, modern stadiums, and passionate fans that will deliver immediate viability and long-term sustainability.”

Amanda Vandervort is at the head of the new Super League

USL Super League President Amanda Vandervort is set to lead this new league and hopes to extend the leagues influence into the global game. “The USL Super League aspires to be a global leader in women’s football, and we look forward to working together with all stakeholders to help shape the future of the game for women and girls in our country, across the region, and around the world,” Vandervort said. “We will actively advocate for new, compelling club competitions that drive visibility and value, and we offer our unwavering support for U.S. Soccer’s bid to co-host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

The 2024 list of Super League markets (though the announcement mentioned more TBA):

Charlotte, NC
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Lexington, KY
Phoenix, AZ
Spokane, WA
Tampa Bay, FL
Tucson, AZ
Washington, DC

The press release also mentioned markets who planned to enter the league in subsequent seasons, pending stadium projects.

Chattanooga, TN
Indianapolis, IN
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Oakland, CA

- Dan Vaughn