# How large is the addressable buyer population?


### What is operating now, and what is still prospective?

| Population | Count | Status and evidence date | Treatment in this report |
|---|---:|---|---|
| US-based MLS clubs | **27** | Explicitly identified by MLS, **2 September 2026** | Included in the US operating base. [Source](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/major-league-soccer-announces-participation-in-2027-lamar-hunt-u-s-open-cup). ([mlssoccer.com](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/major-league-soccer-announces-participation-in-2027-lamar-hunt-u-s-open-cup)) |
| All MLS clubs | **30** | MLS’s **2026** league description; checked **3 November 2026** | Includes Canada; use only for the broader league-wide model. [Source](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/about-major-league-soccer-x4174). ([mlssoccer.com](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/about-major-league-soccer-x4174)) |
| Operating NWSL clubs | **16** | **2026** competition rules; checked **3 November 2026** | Included in the US operating base. [Source](https://images.nwslsoccer.com/image/private/t_q-good/prd/tstudhfledlk7z8ygtzd.pdf). ([images.nwslsoccer.com](https://images.nwslsoccer.com/image/private/t_q-good/prd/tstudhfledlk7z8ygtzd.pdf)) |
| Combined US operating base | **43** | Desk calculation, **3 November 2026**: 27 + 16 | Club count, not procurement-account count |
| Combined MLS–NWSL operating base, including Canada | **46** | Desk calculation, **3 November 2026**: 30 + 16 | Broader commercial perimeter, not a strictly US total |
| Atlanta and Columbus NWSL expansion clubs | **2 additional clubs**, scheduled for **2028** | Atlanta announcement **12 November 2025**; Columbus announcement **21 April 2026** | Prospective operating additions; pre-launch purchasing may occur earlier. [Atlanta](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-awards-expansion-franchise-to-atlanta); [Columbus](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-awards-expansion-franchise-to-columbus-marking-the-league-s-18th-club). ([nwslsoccer.com](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-awards-expansion-franchise-to-atlanta?utm_source=openai)) |

The supplied **45–50-club planning range should therefore be replaced by a dated, explicit perimeter**. For current US operations, use 43; for all operating MLS and NWSL clubs, use 46.

Further expansion remains a separate scenario. On **8 October 2026**, reporting on commissioner Jessica Berman’s remarks described preparations to pursue NWSL teams 19 and 20, without a fixed award deadline. Do not treat that intention as two additional contracted buyers. [The Athletic, syndicated by Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nwsl-looking-expand-least-20-121606661.html). ([sports.yahoo.com](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nwsl-looking-expand-least-20-121606661.html?utm_source=openai))

### How many independent buying organisations exist?

**Unknown from the evidence assembled.** Build the account register around the contracting entity, budget owner, participating clubs and league-provided entitlements—not merely the badge on the shirt.

A useful register should distinguish:

1. A club contracting directly for its own recruitment department.
2. An ownership group buying rights for several teams.
3. A league purchasing common access.
4. A club buying incremental competitions or analytical services beyond central provision.

Do not subtract an arbitrary “multi-club discount” from the club count. Shared ownership does not establish shared licences, procurement authority or identical recruitment requirements.