How large is the addressable buyer population?

What is operating now, and what is still prospective?

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. (sports.yahoo.com)

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.