The 2026 NWSL season is 100 days away and many NWSL teams are announcing extensions and additions to their clubs for the next season and beyond.The two expansion teams will be the first in NWSL history to bring on players without the traditional roster-building mechanisms that existed in the past like the expansion draft, or the best picks in the NCAA college drafts. Denver Summit FC has announced the signing of goalkeeper Abby Smith to a contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. “Abby is a proven winner and a tremendous presence in goal,” said Curt Johnson, General Manager of Denver Summit FC. “Her professionalism, competitive drive, and experience across some of the league’s best environments make her an ideal leader for this group. She knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Denver.”Smith has been a part of two past NWSL champion winning teams in 2022 as a backup with the Portland Thorns, and in 2023 with Gotham FC, but was injured midway through the season. Smith has also been nominated twice for the NWSL Lauren Holiday Impact Award, for her charitable work off the pitch in the community. Summit FC now have only six players on the roster, but Abby Smith is the first goalkeeper to be signed to the expansion-club. Adding to the expansion teams making moves is Boston Legacy who announced the signing of a local player, midfielder Sophia Lowenberg, to a two-year contract through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.“Sophia (Lowenberg) is a player with real potential, and we’re looking forward to supporting her growth as she takes this next step,” said BLFC general manager Domè Guasch. “(Lowenberg) brings the character, ambition, and work ethic we value in our environment. As a New Englander and an upcoming Boston College alum, she already understands this community, and we’re excited to have her continue her journey in Boston as part of Boston Legacy FC.”The North Carolina Courage announced an multi-year contract extension with starting midfielder, Riley Jackson through the 2028 season.“Riley Jackson is a young, world-class talent who has already demonstrated her quality. Through the second half of last season, it was great to see the consistency of her performances,” said Courage sporting director Ceri Bowley. “(Jackson) is smart, talented, determined, and is among the next generation of NWSL stars. Her ability not only to demonstrate that she can cope with the intensity of the NWSL but to thrive in it is a testament to her work ethic and desire. She continues to prove herself both for club and country, and we are committed to helping her achieve her goals as she develops. She’s made a home here in Courage Country, and now she can build off that foundation towards an extremely bright future.”Jackson played the fourth-most minutes for the Courage in 2025 with 1,963 minutes across 25 appearances as a defensive midfielder. With the Courage in 2025 Jackson made two goals and an assist in their ninth-place NWSL regular season campaign. “I’m so privileged to call this place my home for the next several years. I’ve grown so much on and off the pitch during my time here and that gives me so much excitement for the future. I can’t wait to help this team compete for championships,” said Jackson. Jackson has been called up to camp with the USYNT multiple times, and most recently trained alongside the senior national team in October 2025, when the U-23 camp ran concurrent to the senior camp. Kansas City Current announced a contract extension with defender Katie Scott through the 2027 season. “Katie’s positive attitude and relentless work ethic has made a big impact on our team,” said general manager Ryan Dell. “She provides depth on our back line and has made great strides in her development during her first year as a pro, as shown by her performances for both the Current and the U.S. U-20 National Team. We know Katie has a bright future in Kansas City and are eager to support her continued growth.”Scott only made two appearances in her rookie season for the NWSL Shield winners in 2025. She made her professional debut in a friendly during the summer window against Palmeiras and played a total of 121 minutes in the NWSL regular season. The 18-year-old right back went on loan to Racing Louisville for part of the season, but did not make an appearance. Scott has appeared for the USYNT across multiple age groups and most recently played with the Under-20 team in the Concacaf U-20 Championship. With the United States Scott helped the team earn a spot in the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a third-place finish. The Chicago Stars announced the signing of forward Ryan Gareis to a two-year contract through the 2028 season. “It’s my pleasure to welcome Ryan back home to Chicago and to the Chicago Stars,” said Stars general manager, Richard Feuz. “Ryan is a dynamic and versatile player who can help bolster the offensive and defensive sides of our team.” Gareis is a left-footed forward and will likely be an important addition to the Stars now led by Martin Sjögren. The Chicago club was in disarray throughout the 2025 season. They were without their star forward Mallory Swanson, but could not whether the missing piece. They fired head coach Lorne Donaldson in April, 2025, and finished last in the NWSL standings.