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Utah Royals

Utah Royals news

Gotham FC lift NWSL

Six takeaways: Spirit open NWSL 2026 as Legacy, Summit debut

The NWSL has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns. Opening weekend also features expansion sides Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC making their league debuts on March 14, with Boston hosting defending champions Gotham FC and Denver opening on the road against Bay FC. Here are GOAL’s six takeaways.

2025 NWSL Media Day

NWSL's Berman seeks extension, supports rolling expansion

When asked about her contract status, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stressed she intends to remain in the role, while also announcing a major shift in the league’s expansion strategy. The NWSL will move from fixed application windows to a flexible rolling process, following two rounds of expansion that drew interest from over a dozen ownership groups.

Frequently asked questions

The origins of Newcastle United can be traced all the way back to 1881, when Stanley Cricket Club of Byker took interest in the formation of a football club. Over the years, several name changes and mergers took place. Finally, on December 9, 1892, the name Newcastle United Football Club was decided upon. Other name suggestions included Newcastle F.C, Newcastle Rangers, Newcastle City, and City of Newcastle.

Newcastle United is co-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), who hold an 85% stake, and the UK-based RB Sports & Media, who hold the remaining 15% stake. The takeover was completed in 2021.

Newcastle United play their home games at the iconic St. James' Park, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. St. James' Park has been the club's go-to home venue since 1892.

St. James' Park has a seating capacity of about 52,000, with Newcastle United currently planning an overhaul which will see the capacity rise to 65,000.

Newcastle United have won 11 titles, including four top flight titles and six FA Cups.

Newcastle United have won four first division titles in their history, with the most recent win coming almost a century ago, all the way back in 1926-27.

Jimmy Lawrence has made the most appearances ever for Newcastle United, donning the jersey on 496 appearances to hold off fellow goalkeeper Shay Given among others.

Newcastle United will forever revere perhaps their most iconic player ever, the legendary Alan Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals in a little over 400 appearances.

Shola Amoebi, Andy Cole, Shay Given, Bobby Mitchell, Alan Shearer, Hatem Ben Arfa, Andy Carroll, James Milner, Kevin Keegan, Paul Gasciogne, and Malcolm Macdonald are some of the most acclaimed footballers to have played for Newcastle United.

Joe Harvey, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Steve Bruce, Rafael Benitez, and Ruud Gullit are some of the most famous managers to have been in charge of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are nicknamed The Magpies, because the black and white colour scheme on their jerseys is reminiscent of the actual magpie bird.