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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

Andries 'Pele Pele' Mkhwanazi and Bethuel Mokgosinyana are considered the founding fathers of the club which was formed in 1937.

Dr Irvin Khoza took over as club secretary and owner in 1991.

The club plays home fixtures at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with the ground being owned by the City of Johannesburg.

They are known by several nicknames, including: The Sea Robbers, The Bucs, Happy People and Buccaneers.

33 official domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (1995) and one Caf Super Cup (1996).

Nine times under different auspices. PSL (4), NSL (1), NPSL (4).

Happy Jele made 401 appearances for the club

Bendict Vilakazi scored 52 goals for the club.