A surge in the construction of sports facilities signals burgeoning interest and investment in women’s professional sports. Recent developments demonstrate that investors are enthusiastic about the sector’s future.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) already boasts a dedicated soccer stadium, with plans for additional facilities in motion. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has also experienced advancements in training amenities. Notably, the Indiana Fever, home to Caitlin Clark, is set to benefit from a tailor-made training center.
These modern facilities not only provide state-of-the-art environments that help attract and sustain elite athletes but also open up new avenues for revenue, including sponsorships. Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner, remarked on the rapid advancements made over the past two and a half years, emphasizing the ongoing journey.
In Portland, both the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and an unnamed WNBA team expected in 2026 stand to gain from a $150 million training center being developed by the Bhathal family, which owns both teams. This endeavor symbolizes a pioneering collaboration between the two leagues.
A decade ago, the NWSL faced criticism over inadequate facilities. Sky Blue, now known as Gotham FC, famously held practices next to a porta-potty. In 2016, ex-US goalkeeper Hope Solo highlighted the challenging conditions in the league. Last year, the Chicago Stars faced scheduling conflicts with a local music festival, demonstrating the difficulties of lacking a dedicated venue.
Caitlin Clark’s influence revitalized the WNBA, leading to a surge in league attendance in 2023. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever announced the launch of a $78 million training center set to open in 2027, which will offer a distinct space separate from the NBA’s Pacers.
The Chicago Sky, previously practicing in a public recreation facility, looks forward to their own training complex ahead of the 2026 season. Kansas City Current proudly launched the first women-specific soccer stadium last year, and as Denver gears up to join the league in 2026, a privately-financed stadium is part of its expansion plan.
Bay FC is constructing a new training hub on Treasure Island, near San Francisco. Angel City’s facility, the largest in the NWSL, recently opened at Cal Lutheran University, featuring a roomy gym and a playful space for children.
Veteran Angel City forward Christen Press highlighted the various adversities players have faced within the NWSL, attributing their perseverance to the belief in a brighter future. This vision is propelling infrastructure investments as the zeal for women’s sports intensifies. Even athletes are getting involved, with the likes of New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu joining Bay FC’s ownership group, and tennis legend Serena Williams acquiring a stake in a new WNBA team in Toronto.
Karina LeBlanc, a former NWSL player and current executive at RAJ Sports, stressed the importance of enhanced visibility and its impact on attracting investment. She emphasized that everyone, from ticket buyers to viewers, contributes to the growth of women’s sports by investing time, energy, or resources.
Significantly, the valuation of teams has increased. After the Bhathals secured Portland’s WNBA expansion for $125 million, the price for a 16th team is projected to surpass $200 million. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Willow Bay, dean of USC’s journalism and communications school, acquired a majority position in Angel City FC last year, valuing the team at $250 million.
As conversations shift from advocacy to business viability, women’s sports now present compelling economic opportunities. David M. Carter, sports business professor at USC, underscores the need to treat women’s sports assets as promising business ventures to sustain and further their rapid expansion.
