Salt Lake City Will Join NWSL Next Season

The Utah team announced Thursday is the NWSL's first expansion team, pushing the league to 11 teams. The team will play at Rio Tinto Stadium, RSL's home.

The NWSL completed its historic fifth season this year. No other professional women's soccer league has lasted as long.

RSL becomes the fourth MLS franchise to include a women's pro club, joining the Portland Timbers (Thorns), Orlando City (Pride) and Houston Dynamo (Dash).

"During our discussions in this process, Real Salt Lake has demonstrated their unquestionable desire and commitment to bring the highest level of professional women's soccer to all fans of the game in Salt Lake City and Utah," NWSL Managing Director of Operations Amanda Duffy said in a statement.