The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially announced the acceptance of Minnesota Aurora FC as its newest expansion team, marking a major milestone for the fan-owned club. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Aurora FC is celebrated for its unique ownership model, being one of the only professional sports franchises in the U.S. that is predominantly owned by its community of supporters. Following a period of immense success in the USL W League—characterized by devoted crowds and strong on-field performance—the club’s move to the NWSL is the culmination of years of grassroots effort. The inclusion of Minnesota Aurora FC, set to begin play in 2027, underscores the NWSL’s rapid growth and its commitment to integrating successful, community-driven organizations into its top-tier professional structure.
The Community-Owned Model and Grassroots Success
The most distinguishing feature of Minnesota Aurora FC is its pioneering model of community ownership, which has fueled its rapid ascent to the professional ranks.
The club was founded with an unprecedented level of grassroots financial backing, relying on thousands of individual investors who collectively hold a majority stake in the organization. This fan-owned structure has created a fiercely loyal and highly engaged supporter base, leading to remarkable success both on and off the field in the USL W League. In the USL W League, the club consistently drew crowds that rivaled, and often surpassed, attendance figures of established professional women’s teams globally. This success demonstrated a strong, untapped market for high-level women’s soccer in the Twin Cities, proving that a dedicated, community-first approach can be a viable and powerful model for professional sports.
Joining the NWSL: The Path to Professionalism
The move to the NWSL signifies a massive step up in competitive quality and national visibility for the Minnesota organization.
Set to officially join the league in the 2027 season, Minnesota Aurora FC will be one of the newest franchises in the rapidly expanding NWSL, which is on track to become the largest and most valuable women’s professional sports league in the world. The transition requires a significant upgrade in infrastructure, player salaries, and organizational capacity to meet the NWSL’s stringent standards. The club’s initial success has provided a solid foundation, including a recognized brand and a loyal fan base, easing the financial and logistical burden of the transition. The NWSL’s decision to accept the club validates the community-owned model and brings the league into a proven, enthusiastic soccer market.
Stadium Plans and Home Base
A key component of the NWSL expansion readiness is securing a professional-grade stadium, and the club has confirmed its plans to meet the league’s facility requirements.
Minnesota Aurora FC currently plays its matches at TCO Stadium in Eagan, a facility that has been adapted to accommodate its large crowds and unique atmosphere. As part of the NWSL expansion bid, the club is reportedly exploring options for either a significant upgrade to its current stadium or the construction of a new, purpose-built facility in the Twin Cities area that meets the professional league’s criteria for capacity, amenities, and player facilities. The focus is on creating a permanent, accessible home that can sustain the high attendance figures the club has already established and provide a professional environment befitting a top-tier league.
The Impact on Women’s Soccer in the Midwest
The arrival of a professional women’s team in Minnesota is expected to have a transformative impact on the regional soccer landscape, from youth development to local enthusiasm.
The club’s success is already credited with inspiring higher participation rates in girls’ and women’s soccer programs across the state. By offering a direct pipeline to professional football, the NWSL team will serve as a crucial aspirational goal for young athletes in the Midwest. Furthermore, the club’s established fan base, known for its vibrant and family-friendly match-day atmosphere, promises to add a new level of excitement and unique culture to the NWSL. This expansion not only grows the league but fundamentally strengthens the infrastructure and visibility of women’s soccer across the central United States.
