Breaking News — The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that another expansion side is on the way. Los Angeles has received the go-ahead to move forward with plans to bring the NWSL to LA, and they’ve shown up in a big way.
Angel City FC is Here to Dominate, Not Participate
What We Know
The newest club is backed by a star-studded group of women, led by Academy Award-Winning actress and activist Natalie Portman. The official group, in all of their glory, can all be found in the club’s announcement. We also know that the phrase ‘Angel City’ may not be the “official” name of the club.
However, at this point, official or not, it’s the current name.
We know that they will be playing in Los Angeles, and from the announcement video, they will be looking to compete from day one. We also know that they are aiming for a 2022 kickoff, giving them time to build the club’s foundation. While it is far too early for any news on signings, it comes as no surprise the biggest names in women’s soccer — like Christen Press and Alex Morgan — are connected with the expansion side.
Lisa Baird, NWSL commissioner since March, said that the growth of the NWSL is exciting. However, she also mentioned that the league needs to be strategic and thoughtful about how fast it expands.
“We’ve long sought the right partner in LA considering the NWSL fanbase that already exists in the region and the massive interest in women’s soccer in general,” Baird said in a league press release. “Those factors, along with an incredible ownership group make this an ideal situation and we couldn’t be more thrilled to move forward.”
The time has come to reshape expectations on & off the soccer field.
This is the place. The time is now. Welcome to the beginning. #WeAreAngelCity pic.twitter.com/M3bvsmiAfm
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) July 21, 2020
What We Don’t Know
Honestly, a lot. There is no official word on a venue, or if they will indeed be partnering with one of the two current MLS clubs residing in Los Angeles. The club’s crest, design and colors have also yet to be announced. That could come during another announcement slated for the end of the year.
Fully Supported
This move is no surprise for anyone following NWSL or women’s soccer in general. After the recent success of MLS expansion, LAFC, it was obvious soccer fever was alive and well in Los Angeles. NWSL in Los Angeles became a rallying cry within the city. After four years, that vision is set to become a reality with today’s announcement.
Make no mistake, Angel City has all of LA behind them.
