Women’s pro soccer will come to Madison 

A new soccer team in the USL Super League will call Madison home, according to the Capital Times. Madison Women’s Pro Soccer, as it will temporarily be known, will be the first top-tier women’s team in the state. Only 12 professional women’s soccer teams are currently established nationwide. 

USL announced the Madison team Tuesday, setting out on its mission to increase the accessibility of world-class, professional women’s soccer for more U.S. players, fans, and communities. USL currently runs three men’s leagues, including the one Forward Madison participates in, and a second-tier women’s league. 

Pending the U.S. Soccer Federation’s approval, the Super League will begin in 2024 with eight teams spread across the U.S. Madison would follow the next year with five additional cities. The federation’s approval is dependent on proof of the team’s financial viability for at least three years, among other factors. 

The team could start its first season at downtown’s Breese Stevens Field in August 2025. In order to meet U.S. Soccer’s Division 1 standards, new locker rooms, turf, and seating will need to be added.