On Thursday, Sportico reported​ that former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry is close to finalizing a deal to buy a controlling stake in the NC Courage from the NWSL club's current owner, Steve Malik. The sale reportedly values the team at $108 million, with Lasry eyeing 60% of the club's ownership.

That valuation is more than double Sportico's 2023 assessment of the North Carolina club at $52 million, reflecting NWSL franchises's skyrocketing values.

Cleveland makes NWSL expansion moves

NWSL expansion also made Thursday headlines as Cleveland Metroparks and franchise bid-leaders Cleveland Soccer Group announced their intention to build a women's soccer-specific stadium downtown, with the express purpose of bringing a new NWSL franchise to the city.

The newly purchased 13.6 acres slated to house the stadium is directly across the street from the Cleveland Guardians's Progressive Field, surrounded by businesses and infrastructure already set up to support thousands of fans.

Should Cleveland's bid be accepted, the project would become the first newly constructed professional women's sports stadium backed by a public-private partnership. 

Top-table NWSL teams face off in weekend clash

As the 2024 MVP race tightens, two of the NWSL's most exciting forwards will square off in Friday's top-table clash. Trinity Rodman's Washington Spirit will travel to Kansas City to take on Temwa Chawinga's Current. Last month, the Spirit handed KC a 4-1 defeat.

Chawinga leads the Golden Boot race​ with 15 goals and six assists in regular-season play, while Rodman has been a post-OIympic break standout. Her eight goals and six assists have helped lead second-place Washington to their first postseason berth since 2021.

How to watch Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit

Fourth-place KC will look to clinch a trip to the playoffs against Washington Friday night at 8 PM ET, with live coverage on Prime Video.