The talks intensified after New Zealand won the rights to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the W-League plans to add three more expansion teams by that time.

[5][6] In September 2021, Phoenix announced they were one of the clubs in consideration under the W-League expansion and later confirmed creating a women's team.

[7][8] On 11 October 2021, Wellington Phoenix announced Gemma Lewis would be the inaugural head coach of the side.

They also announced that Natalie Lawrence would be her assistant for the 2021–22 season, making them one of two all-female coaching staffs in the A-League Women.

[14] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.