Connecticut’s about to get its first professional women’s soccer team. This comes from a partnership between Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) and WPSL PRO.
The club doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s expected to join the WPSL PRO league in 2028, once a new waterfront stadium in Bridgeport is finished. That’s a pretty big deal for women’s sports, not just here but across the country.
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The team will play in the second division of U.S. Soccer. That means more pro opportunities for female athletes and a jolt of energy for Connecticut’s already lively sports scene.
A New Era for Women’s Soccer in Connecticut
This WPSL PRO franchise feels like a turning point for Connecticut’s sports community. WPSL PRO’s debut is set for 2027, and the league wants to shake up women’s soccer with a dedicated second division under U.S. Soccer.
Bridgeport Stadium as the Game-Changer
The plan centers around a new waterfront stadium in Bridgeport, which would become the team’s home. It’s not just about soccer—this modern spot could pull in fans from all over the state.
Think New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Norwalk, Danbury, Waterbury, Greenwich, Middletown—everyone’s included. With its spot on Bridgeport’s revitalized waterfront, the stadium could give the city’s economy a real boost and cement its place in Connecticut’s sports world.
Why Connecticut Was Chosen
League officials like Anne Hoge from the WPSL PRO board say Connecticut’s strong sports culture and diverse population made it an easy pick. The state’s location helps, too.
Connecticut fans have a reputation for showing up—whether it’s basketball in Hartford or sailing in Stamford, people here just love their sports.
Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Success
The league wants to use a regional competition model to keep travel costs down and spark local rivalries. That should make it easier for fans in places like New Haven and Norwalk to catch away games.
It’s a move that could help fans and players connect even more.
From Legacy to Progress
WPSL PRO builds on the foundation of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), which started in 1998. It’s the world’s longest-running women’s soccer league.
By going pro, the league’s doubling down on its mission to push women’s soccer forward and give players a clear path to the top.
Opportunities for Connecticut’s Female Athletes
Michelle Swanston, a CTSG partner, says the state’s first professional women’s soccer team is a huge chance to lift women’s athletic careers. She points out that young players in Waterbury, Greenwich, Danbury, and beyond now have a real shot at wearing a Connecticut pro jersey.
Community Impact and Future Growth
The team and stadium project aren’t just about sports. They could spark community connections and new opportunities.
Bridgeport stands to gain from more tourism and economic activity around home games. Local schools, youth leagues, and nonprofits might get to team up with pro players for clinics, mentorship, and other programs.
Anticipated Benefits for Connecticut Residents
Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Expanded professional sports opportunities for women in Connecticut
- Boosted economic activity in Bridgeport and nearby towns
- More sports tourism in places like Stamford and Norwalk
- Fresh entertainment options for people across the state
- Growth of youth soccer programs in Hartford, Middletown, and elsewhere
- Stronger community pride and engagement through local events
Looking Ahead to 2028
If stadium construction goes as planned, Connecticut’s professional women’s soccer journey will kick off in 2028. This initiative aims to blend athletic ambition with a bit of community revitalization.
It’s about keeping the state’s sports culture moving forward and giving gender equity in athletics a real push. From the waterfront in Bridgeport to soccer fields in Hartford and, honestly, everywhere in between, this project feels like a bold leap for the women’s game.
The arrival of WPSL PRO in Connecticut shows the state’s ready to join the bigger national conversation. It’s about expanding real professional opportunities for women and sparking inspiration in the next generation of athletes and fans—maybe even some who never saw themselves out on that field before.
Here is the source article for this story: NEW TEAM: Connecticut Sports Group to join WPSL PRO in 2028
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