Women’s professional soccer is returning to Boston with a new expansion team.The National Women’s Soccer League announced Tuesday that Boston has been awarded expansion rights for the league’s 15th team to Boston Unity Soccer Partners, an all-female core ownership group. The new club is set to kick off in the 2026 season. NWSL Boston said the full club name, identity, and team crest will be coming in 2024. The team intends to host its home matches at George R. White Stadium in historic Franklin Park in the heart of Boston.Boston Unity Soccer Partners said it plans to invest significant resources to transform the stadium into a top-tier facility and is working closely with the city and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on a robust renovation plan. “I’m excited to expand the NWSL’s footprint and continue its transformative growth in our return to Boston, one of the world’s most iconic sports cities,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We are very proud to welcome Boston Unity Soccer Partners to our ownership group. They bring an impressive roster of business leaders committed to continuing Boston’s legacy of sports excellence and delivering a successful team to a very passionate fanbase.” The National Women’s Soccer League is currently comprised of 12 teams and two future teams — Utah Royals FC and Bay Area FC — which are both scheduled to begin play in 2024. The new team marks a return to professional women’s soccer in Massachusetts. The Boston Breakers joined the Women’s United Soccer Association in 2001. The league ended in 2003, and the Breakers later joined the National Women’s Soccer League, which folded in 2018. Video below: Master plan for Boston’s Franklin Park

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