As the nine-team NWSL has pursued expansion, much focus has been paid to the possibility of MLS teams getting involved with women’s franchises of their own. As it turns out, the next NWSL team could have its ownership roots not in MLS, but in the USL.



According to multiple sources within the USL and NWSL, Louisville is leading the list of 2020 expansion candidates for the women’s league. Louisville City FC’s ownership group has been in talks with NWSL leadership about expansion and is currently waiting on the league’s decision, per sources. If granted, the new Louisville NWSL team would be the only first-division professional team in the city.



An NWSL spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.



A big part of Louisville City FC’s pitch involved the team’s soccer-specific stadium in the up-and-coming Butchertown neighborhood, located near downtown. The venue, recently dubbed Lynn Family Stadium, will...