Racing Louisville FC’s future in doubt following unprecedented league growth

The GIST: There are a lot of questions surrounding the future of Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL. While most clubs are making (or considering) major infrastructure investments and looking to capitalize on the bright future of women’s soccer, Racing Louisville is falling behind despite only being in the league for five years. Woof.

The numbers: Louisville was announced as an expansion team in 2019 and Soccer Holdings LLC, the group behind the investment, bought into the league for around $2M, a number unrecognizable in today’s NWSL expansion market. For context, Bay FC joined three years after Racing and put up $53M, while forthcoming expansion team Columbus paid a record $205M to join in 2028.

• Currently, its valuation sits near the bottom of the list of teams (somewhere between $127M and $140M) and its dismal attendance numbers and player retention problems seem to be hurting the club’s long-term viability.

The solution: It’s true in sports that sometimes you have a winning season and sometimes you lose. But in the NWSL, finishing last doesn’t increase your chances of landing a top talent in the next draft as it was eliminated by the 2024 CBA.

• And although this gives players more autonomy and falls in line with international soccer standards, it makes it harder for mid-size clubs to compete with league giants who not only have more money, but have better facilities and marketing opportunities.

• Because of this, the Racing Louisville ownership group recently announced that it’s open to not just selling, but complete relocation. Definitely watch this space.