EXPANSION: LITTLE ROCK RANGERS SC

PRESS RELEASE

EXPANSION SIDE LITTLE ROCK RANGERS SC MARKS RETURN
OF WPSL PLAY TO CENTRAL ARKANSAS

OKLAHOMA CITY (1/21/2026) — The Women’s Premier Soccer League returns to Central Arkansas with today’s announcement of the addition of Little Rock Rangers SC for the 2026 season. The announcement marks the return of Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club to the WPSL after competing in the league in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. 

“Competing in the WPSL elevates our entire organization, raising standards on and off the field, while strengthening our player pathway and long-term commitment to the women’s game,” Jonathan Wardlaw, Little Rock Rangers SC president and general manager, said. 

Founded in 2015 with the mission of continuing to grow the game in Central Arkansas by creating inclusive, competitive, and sustainable opportunities at every level, the club launched a senior women’s team a year later. After two successful years competing in the WPSL (2017-’18), the senior women’s team was relaunched in 2025 after a six-year hiatus with an emphasis on development, community, and access within the women’s game. The successful relaunch saw the club finish UPSL national runners-up before making the jump to the WPSL this year. 

At the helm of the club is Wardlaw, who oversees the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the club, guiding its growth, competitive expansion and commitment to sustainable player pathways, and former Canadian international, Ante Jazić. A former Canadian Youth National Team coach, Jazić leads the club’s technical vision and player development structure, aligning youth and senior programs under a unified philosophy. Jazić played professionally in Croatia, Austria, and Russia before returning to North America for stints in MLS with LA Galaxy (2006-’08) and Chivas USA (2009-’12), earning 36 caps for Canada during his playing career.

Conference and division alignment will be announced at the WPSL Annual General Meeting January 30-31. The 28th WPSL season kicks off in mid-May, culminating with the WPSL Championships in July. The 2026 WPSL schedule will be announced in March. 

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For more information on Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club, visit littlerockrangers.com, and follow its social channels on Instagram, Facebook,  X, and YouTube.

For more information on the WPSL, visit wpslsoccer.com. 

About the Women’s Premier Soccer League 

The WPSL completed its 27th season in 2025 remaining  the most tenured women’s league in North America. The WPSL continues to operate as the largest women’s soccer league in the world. An all-time high of 150 teams competed in the 2025 WPSL Season. Team rosters feature elite collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep student-athletes. Many of the United States’ most accomplished women’s national team players have played in the WPSL since its inception in 1998, including household names such as Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach, and Brandi Chastain.