Build your own 2026 NWSL expansion club

On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan evaluate what we know about the five expansion bids to become the 16th team in the NWSL. What is the league looking for when it comes to bids? How important is location, an independently owned stadium, an enticing media market or deep pockets? While Tamerra and Meg try to answer that, they also play a quick game of build your own NWSL expansion club. Where will their fictional clubs be located? And, who will be their celebrity owner and marquee player? PLUS: Previewing the final weekend of the NWSL regular season, what the three remaining playoff hopefuls need, a final Portland goodbye for Christine Sinclair, Ballon d'Or takeaways, and producer Theo hops on to try and make sense of the Summer Cup. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Ballon d’Or misses mark with timing … again. Plus, a breakout USWNT star? What it’s like to vote for Ballon d’Or Feminin: The Athletic’s Steph Yang shares some insight NWSL expansion: Where things stand as the league looks to add a 16th team _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices