Hearts of Pine is launching a women's soccer team and tickets are about to go on sale
Portland Club Secures USL W League Franchise, Sets Launch for May 2027
The Portland soccer organization has announced that it has secured a franchise in the United Soccer League’s Women’s League (USL W), with plans to field a new team beginning in May 2027.
The announcement came from club officials during a press conference held at the club’s headquarters. While no specific name for the new squad has yet been revealed, the club confirmed that the franchise will compete in the national USL W League, which currently includes teams from across the United States.
The USL W League is a professional women’s competition that operates below the top-tier National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). By joining the league, Portland will add a new women's side to its roster of programs, which already includes the club’s men’s teams in Major League Soccer and the USL Championship.
“We’re excited to bring a professional women’s team to the Portland soccer community,” a club spokesperson said. “This move is a natural extension of our commitment to growing the sport at every level.” While the club’s statement did not include details on the team’s branding, stadium, or player roster, it indicated that the organization is working on securing a venue that will meet league standards for the 2027 season.
The club’s decision follows a broader trend in U.S. soccer of expanding women's teams affiliated with existing men’s clubs. Adding a USL W franchise allows the organization to develop female talent locally, provide a pathway for players to advance to higher levels, and engage fans with new match-day experiences.
Officials said the club plans to begin assembling the team’s coaching staff and player pipeline well ahead of the 2027 launch, with community outreach programs and partnerships already underway to support the initiative.
The exact venue for the new team has not been announced, but the club has confirmed that it will play home matches in Portland’s existing soccer facilities, pending league approval.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from local soccer fans, who view the expansion as a positive step for the region’s sports landscape. The club’s leadership expressed confidence that the new women’s team will quickly become a staple of the community and a source of pride for Portland supporters.
The USL W League will begin play with the 2027 season, and the Portland club’s new team is slated to join the schedule in May, aligning with the league’s typical start of competition. The club’s official website and social media channels will provide further details as the launch date approaches.
