Reading the Tea Leaves: How Trademark Applications Show WNBA and NWSL Expansion Plans and Complications

Reading the Tea Leaves: How Trademark Applications Show WNBA and NWSL Expansion Plans and Complications

Keen sports observers sometimes use trademark applications to try to identify the names and locations of potential expansion teams that may be coming to sports leagues. Recent trademark applications by the WNBA and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) highlight just how complicated expansion team-related applications can be, however. Let’s start with the WNBA. Earlier this year, the WNBA filed applications to register CHARLOTTE STING (Serial No…

NWSL brings in player loans and boosts expansion club budgets for 2026

June 9 – Starting in the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season, clubs will gain access to ‘intraleague loans’ while expansion teams Boston and Denver will receive significantly more funding to build competitive rosters. All clubs can access up to $1.065 million in allocation money beginning July 1, with the league automatically funding half that amount. Teams must cover the remaining portion out of their own budgets at their discretion. The…