BIG NEWS- Artesians Reunite with WISL for 2026-27 Season!

Column by Oly Soccer Board President Ryan Perkins

In the Pacific Northwest indoor sports is a crucial part of the sports ecosystem especially with the infamous gray months. A sort of ritual we all reside in from late fall to early spring time where gray, dark skies takes over. Not to mention the shorter daylight hours. This best encompasses the eagerness on social media Sunday when FC Olympia and the Artesians announced the Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL) will be returning to the south sound.

Born Into WISL

The Artesians is a soccer club that was born into the Western Indoor Soccer League in 2014. A sports marketing and management college graduate Brandon Sparks founded the club with the help of principal owner Tim Smith. Sparks and Smith oversaw the eventual move to popping up an indoor field at the Evergreen State College for the better half of a decade.

"TheOly Town Artesians and Brandon Sparks were the origination of WISL and the true culture of where Olympia indoor soccer began."-John Crouch(President, WISL)

The club has since grown and changed hands with the formation of non-profit Oly Soccer Foundation and the subsequent expansion of outdoor soccer via the USL (W League & League Two) national market as well as state run pro-am leagues like EPLWA (Evergreen Premier League).

WISL was created by team operators and club owners looking to build a sustainable, regional, indoor competitive league that has featured teams from as far east as Wenatchee, north to Bellingham and as far south as Portland. In the inaugural season in 2014 the original five teams included the Oly Town Artesians.

"Artesians" | Olympia’s Official Soccer Mascot

Originally known as the Oly Town Artesians the now rebranded FC Olympia continues to honor its original mascot "Artesians." The name Artesians was created by Sparks to recognize the storied practice of Olympia Brewing (Oly Beer) for turning “Artesian Water” into beer. Downtown Olympia and surrounding areas are known for hundreds of naturally occurring Artesian Spring Wells and therefore beer, coffee and more are made from these magical waters of Olympia, WA.


This method also includes longtime community partner and title sponsor Well 80 Brewhouse who named their brewhouse after uncovering the 80th Artesian Well in Olympia, WA when they broke ground.  Now Well 80 brews incredible "Artesian Made Brews" including utilizing 100 year-old recipes from Olympia Brewing to conjure up downtown Oly's past with every sip.

2014-2024: WISL in Olympia

Throughout the 2010’s and early 2020’s the Artesians competed in the WISL Men's Soccer then added a women’s arena soccer expansion program post-Covid.

"Indoor soccer has had a long history of providing a fun, healthy outlet for kids of all ages in our community. From the late 70's forward, indoor soccer has been enjoyed locally."

"Whether at the Pavilion, the Tumwater industrial area, or even a brief spell at the old Trails End Arena, folks have honed their skills playing this fast paced, technically demanding sport locally." -John Purtteman(Pro Arena Alum- Seattle Seadogs, Hall of Fame Collegiate Head Coach)

While the Artesians never captured a WISL title during an era dominated by regional powerhouses the Artesians consistently fielded competitive teams and built a loyal fanbase in Olympia.


Standing room only for the last few years for a night at the "Icebox" nicknamed for the no heat, open air, no parking venue that the club called home for several years.

WISL in 2026

After time away from consistent indoor competition the Artesians return in 2026 represents a huge victory in the clubs two-year extensive hunt for a clearspan facility. The "find" reunites the club with its original partner, WISL.

WISL is a volunteer based organization helmed by President John Crouch who is no stranger to the western Washington soccer scene and pro-am soccer.

"The loss of the space for FC Olympia was devastating, and losing the team from our league was a tough one and people always ask, when is Oly coming back?”

“That is why this should be some of the biggest news the league has had in quite some time: a WISL original is coming back, bringing both men’s and women’s programs, and playing in an arena that is a bit warmer!" -John Crouch(President, WISL & EPLWA)

Historically the WISL standings have been shaped by a handful of consistent contenders. Tacoma Stars in particular have built a strong pipeline which they utilize for their pro Arena team in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) that plays at the Showare Center in Kent, WA. Bellingham United has been their primary challenger including taking the WISL Cup this last February 2026.


For returning teams like the Artesians success isn’t measured solely in trophies. Indoor soccer’s condensed schedule and playoff format mixed with high scoring lines and action packed quarter system makes for a unique viewing experience. Hockey and soccer mixed together. High intensity and nonstop action.

"Indoor just might be my favorite game to watch, play and coach. A packed venue on a Saturday night, with everyone right on the glass cheering, drums banging, and a cold Well 80 beer. It really doesn’t get better. Playing and coaching in the WISL in front my young family gave me some of my favorite memories with soccer."-Brad Hanson (Former Arena GK, Current Board member)

What It Means for Olympia? Just like Brad regales:

-Winter entertainment!

-Affordable, family-friendly matches!

-Close-up action in an intimate venue where families, fans feel part of the game!

-New memories to make...

The return of arena soccer brings back a social tradition of Saturday night arena games, local rivalries and a sense of shared community energy.

As 2026 unfolds the reunion of the Artesians and the WISL feels less like a comeback and more like a continuation of something that always belonged to Olympia; Artesian Arena Soccer!

Links

-Western Indoor Soccer League official site – schedules, standings and league news

-FC Olympia official website fcoly.com – team updates, tickets and community events