Minnesota Aurora withdraw NWSL expansion bid
Jun 29, 2024; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Aurora mascot Rory poses for a photo during SOL of the Cities Success for Soccer Kickoff at Johnson Senior High School. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports Minnesota Aurora FC have withdrawn their bid to join the National Women's Soccer League as an expansion club.
The Eagan, Minn.-based club, which competes in the "pre-professional" USL W League, explained the decision in a letter sent to its more than 3,000 community owners on Thursday.
"The process is extremely complex, and while we had a strong investment group, circumstances out of our control kept us from pursuing the bid at this time," the statement said. "There remains strong interest by investors to support Minnesota Aurora going pro."
The NWSL is expanding to 15 teams in 2026 with the addition of a club in Boston.
The Aurora were founded in 2021 and regularly sell out their home games at the 6,000-seat TCO Stadium, the site of the Minnesota Vikings' headquarters and practice facility.
--Field Level Media
Top Quarterbacks to Watch for the 2027 NFL Draft
Three Teams That Screwed Up 2026 NFL Draft
Red Sox Fire Alex Cora: What It Means for Boston’s Future
What the NBA Draft Should Learn From the 2026 NFL Draft
- Friday NBA Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for April 24 Playoff Slate
- MLB Best Bets Today: Strikeout Props and Total Plays to Target
- NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets
- NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets
- MLB Betting Picks Today: Two Expert Picks for Tuesday’s Slate
- NBA Playoff Picks: Best Bets for Nuggets vs Timberwolves & Knicks vs Hawks
- Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
