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More NWSL teams clinched the playoffs, the WSL kicked off and the USYNT won bronze. We are so back! I’m Emily Olsen, here with Meg Linehan, Steph Yang and Jeff Rueter — welcome to Full Time!
Happy Fall, Y’all
For the next two-ish months, you’re busy with women’s sports. This weekend was a prime example:
- Two more NWSL teams clinched playoff spots.
- Manchester City and Arsenal added an exclamation point to the WSL’s opening weekend.
- The WNBA ushered in the first round of the postseason.
Yes, this is a soccer newsletter, but the WNBA and NWSL are intrinsically intertwined through their athletes’ interaction, fanbases and now ownership. We’ll explain.
Los Angeles Sparks part-owner Magic Johnson joined Michele Kang’s Washington Spirit investment group. On Wednesday, the WNBA announced that Portland Thorns owners Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal will oversee the league’s Portland expansion team in 2026. And somewhat relatedly, the North Carolina Courage could be the 13th team to undergo a major ownership change in the last few years, with former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry in negotiations to buy a…
