Soccer-Spirit begin title defence as NWSL kicks off 10th anniversary season

By Amy Tennery

(Reuters) - The Washington Spirit will begin their title defence as the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) raises the curtain on a landmark 10th season on Friday, with an eye toward expansion.

The 22-match regular season opens with a showdown between newcomer Angel City FC and perennial powerhouse North Carolina Courage in Los Angeles, with another debutant, San Diego Wave FC, playing on Sunday against the Houston Dash.

The two Californians are the third and fourth franchises added since 2021, after Racing Louisville FC and Kansas City Current debuted last year.

Commissioner Jessica Berman told Reuters that she would not be surprised to see at least one more added to the top-flight U.S. women's league "within the next couple of years" amid "unprecedented" interest from qualified investors.

"(The interest) is forcing, I would say, us to really consider expansion on a shorter time frame. And we are really looking at that methodically and strategically," said Berman, adding that she expects to share news on "next steps" in the coming months.

"Women's sports and, in particular, women's soccer have been historically undervalued as a business. And so there is an opportunity to invest while we're in a growth mode."

The former National Lacrosse League and National Hockey League executive took the reins officially last week after allegations of sexual misconduct engulfed the league in 2021, prompting an overhaul and the departure of former Commissioner Lisa Baird.

On Tuesday, the league and Players Association recommended Houston Dash Head Coach James Clarkson for immediate suspension pending an investigation into alleged violations of NWSL policy against discrimination, harassment and bullying. Clarkson has