NWSL Expansion Team to Move from Sacramento to San Diego Jill Ellis Still Involved Per Report

Well this is awkward for Sacramento soccer fans.

The NWSL expansion team that was supposed to call Sacramento home is reportedly moving to San Diego before ever playing a game. The ownership group apparently decided the Southern California market made more sense. Jill Ellis the legendary USWNT coach who won two World Cups is still attached to the project per reports.

Sacramento has been chasing professional soccer for what feels like forever. They had a USL team that drew solid crowds. MLS expansion talks that went nowhere. And now an NWSL team that ghosted them before arriving.

The official announcement should come soon but sources have confirmed the San Diego move is happening. The team would start play in 2024.

For San Diego this is actually pretty huge. The city hasnt had a major womens professional sports team and NWSL is growing fast. Having Ellis involved gives the franchise instant credibility. Shes not just a name – shes arguably the most accomplished coach in US womens soccer history.

Womens sports investment has exploded recently with NWSL expansion fees reportedly hitting $50 million or more. The league has added several teams in recent years and the quality of play keeps improving.

But for Sacramento this stings. The city has supported soccer at every level and keeps getting passed over for the biggest leagues. At some point you have to wonder what theyre doing wrong or if the market just isnt appealing enough to deep pocketed ownership groups.

The Sacramento Republic FC situation with MLS dragged on for years before ultimately falling apart. Now the same thing happens with NWSL.

San Diego meanwhile keeps winning. They got a new stadium approved for the Padres. Now theyre getting an NWSL team. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good I guess.