The first-ever 16-team NWSL season is almost here. But who are these new 2026 expansion teams, Boston Legacy and Denver Summit?

On this special expansion-focused episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits takes you inside the Legacy and the Summit, and their journeys to joining the NWSL. Hear one-on-one interviews with Legacy head coach Filipa Patão and Summit head coach Nick Cushing, breaking down their soccer philosophies, career paths and connections to their new homes.

After that, Jillian is joined by The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei to analyze both teams on-pitch and off-pitch team builds, the players to watch, and what success looks like for both teams.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Melanie Anzidei

GUESTS: Nick Cushing, Filipa Patão, Melanie Anzidei

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

Meet NWSL expansion team Denver Summit: Hometown talent, attendance records and a blank canvas

Meet NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy: Reintroduction, European influence and a desire to win

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠