NWSL: Why US soccer franchises have bespoke women’s football stadiums, and will WSL teams follow suit?

March 15, 2026

“If a women’s football team does not have their own stadium in 10 years’ time, they will be at a disadvantage.”

So says Chris Long, co-owner of Kansas City Current, who have played at the CPKC Stadium for the past two seasons.

It is the world’s first purpose-built ground for women’s football.

New US franchise Denver Summit are also building their own stadium, with a planned opening for the 2028 season.

Is this the direction of travel for women’s football, including in the UK?

Why have American teams taken this route?

And how do the new venues differ from existing stadiums?

With the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2026 season kicking off this weekend, BBC Sport travelled to the American Midwest to find out. BBC Sport