Latest NWSL News

Latest NWSL News

More NWSL News

Sam Coffey’s Stunning Portland Thorns Feat Revealed Post Her New NWSL Contract Extension

After bagging a new NWSL contract extension, a unique and remarkable Portland Thorns feat of Sam Coffey has come to light.
Sam Coffey

USWNT Star Addresses Washington Spirit’s Coaching Changes During Mid Season

A USWNT star has addressed the Washington Spirit’s coaching changes that took place during the mid-season.
Jonatan Giraldez Washington Spirit

Rose Lavelle’s Return Leads Emma Hayes to Make Honest USWNT Locker Room Confession

Emma Hayes makes an honest confession about the atmosphere inside the USWNT locker room, the return of Rose Lavelle.
October 11, 2022, PAMPLONA, NAVARRA, SPAIN: Rose Lavelle of United States in action during the Wonenâ⠬⠢s Internati

NWSL Star Reveals Honest Desire to Transition Into New Role With Washington Spirit

This Washington Spirit star is not done exploring her versatility just yet. Find out which position she wants to play in next.
Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit Announce Landmark European Signing Amid Jonatan Giráldez’s Exit

Amid the shocking departure of head coach Jonatan Giráldez, Washington Spirit have made headlines by announcing a landmark European signing.
Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman Joins Forces With Adidas to Boost Women’s Soccer As Injury Concerns Persist

Amid her ongoing injury setback, Trinity Rodman is taking time off the pitch to team up with Adidas to champion the growth of women’s soccer.
Trinity Rodman

NWSL Fans Throw Shade As Men’s Club World Cup Match Struggles to Draw Crowd in US

NWSL fans didn't take time to throw shade as a Men's Club World Cup after the latest match in the U.S. struggled to attract a decent crowd.
Mercedez Benz Stadium

Trinity Rodman Shares Heartfelt Reaction to Boyfriend Ben Shelton’s Historic Tennis Milestone

As Ben Shelton etched his name into tennis history with a landmark achievement, Trinity Rodman shared a heartfelt tribute for her boyfriend.
Trinity Rodman Ben Shelton

Sam Coffey’s Portland Thorns Extention Draws Honest Take From NWSL Analyst: “Not a Flashy Player”

NWSL analyst shares a candid reaction to the contract extension news of Sam Coffey with the Portland Thorns.
Sam Coffey Portland Thorns

Trinity Rodman Posts Naomi Girma’s Rare BTS Moment Amid Wait for USWNT Reunion

While awaiting a USWNT reunion, Trinity Rodman shared a rare behind-the-scenes moment featuring teammate Naomi Girma.
Trinity Rodman

Jonatan Giráldez’s Transfer Sparks Buzz Among NWSL Analysts Amid Michele Kang’s Controversial Decision

Michele Kang’s controversial coaching decision regarding the transfer of Jonatan Giráldez has ignited quite a debate among NWSL analysts.
Jonatan Giraldez

Christen Press Gets Honest About Soccer Community While Opening Up on Her Relationship With Tobin Heath

Christen Press opens up about the impact of the soccer community while also sharing insights into her relationship with Tobin Heath.
Christen Press Angel City FC

“Terrible”: Megan Rapinoe Sends Strong Message for Boston Legacy Amid Intense Backlash

Megan Rapinoe shared a strong message backing the rebranding of Boston Legacy after facing ongoing criticism over its past missteps.
Boston Legacy FC NWSL

Megan Rapinoe Gives Honest Remark on Trinity Rodman After Emma Hayes Comment

After a key update from Emma Hayes, USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe shared her honest thoughts on the return of Trinity Rodman.
Trinity Rodman 3

Cut-Throat”: Casey Murphy Refuses to Shy Away From Proving USWNT Level to Emma Hayes as 2027 World Cup Edges Close

Casey Murphy is determined to prove to Emma Hayes that she deserves a spot on the USWNT roster for the 2027 World Cup.
Casey Murphy

“How Could She?”- Casey Murphy Makes Shocking Revelation About Saving Alex Morgan’s Final Career Penalty

USWNT goalkeeper Casey Murphy reveals a surprising detail about saving the final penalty of Alex Morgan’s career.
Alex Morgan Casey Murphy

Returning to America From Europe, USWNT’s Casey Murphy Explains Her Reason: “Couldn’t”

USWNT goalie Casey Murphy reveals the reason behind her decision to leave Europe and return to the United States.
Casey Murphy

Angel City’s Sydney Leroux Makes Difficult Confession After Stepping Away From Soccer

Angel City star Sydney Leroux opens up on her tough decision to step away from soccer for the sake of her mental health.
Sydney Leroux

Megan Rapinoe Questions Washington Spirit Owner Michele Kang Over Head Coach Decision

Following the departure of Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez, Megan Rapinoe criticized owner Michele Kang's decision.
Megan Rapinoe Michele Kang

Rose Lavelle’s Return Fuels Former USWNT Stars to Support Emma Hayes’ Hopes About NWSL Season

The NWSL return of Rose Lavelle has reignited support from former USWNT stars for Emma Hayes' hopes of a strong season.
Rose Lavelle Gotham FC

Emma Hayes Shares Honest Update on Trinity Rodman’s Injury Ahead of USWNT’s World Cup Prep

With preparations for the 2027 World Cup underway, Emma Hayes opens up on the continuous absence of Trinity Rodman due to injury.
USWNT Trinity Rodman

San Diego Wave Star Rumored to Exit for Rival League Despite NWSL’s Recent Growth

Despite the significant growth of the NWSL, a San Diego Wave star is reportedly considering a move to a rival league.
Maria Sanchez San Diego Wave

Emma Hayes Clears Air on Veteran Rose Lavelle’s USWNT Return After Her NWSL Comeback

Emma Hayes breaks silence on the potential return of Rose Lavelle to the USWNT following the midfielder’s recent NWSL comeback.
October 11, 2022, PAMPLONA, NAVARRA, SPAIN: Rose Lavelle of United States in action during the Wonenâ⠬⠢s Internati

Gotham FC Unveils Special Service for New Yorkers to Help Home Crowd Relish Unique NWSL Experience

In a bid to help the home crowd relish a unique NWSL experience, NJ/NY Gotham FC has unveiled a special service tailored for New Yorkers.
Gotham FC

Angel City’s New Head Coach Alex Straus Puts NWSL Fans Above European Crowd Post First Game in the US

New Angel City head coach Alex Straus hails NWSL fans as more passionate than European crowds following his U.S. domestic debut.
Alexander Straus Angel City FC

Trinity Rodman’s Washington Comeback Makes NWSL Fans Relieved Post Her USWNT Miss

The return of Trinity Rodman to Washington brought relief to NWSL fans after her lengthy absence from action and the recent USWNT camp.
Trinity Rodman

About NWSL

Brief History

The acronym NWSL stands for the National Women's Soccer League and is widely recognized as America's biggest premier women's soccer league. Its inception dates back to 2012 when it was established as a successor to the Women's Professional Soccer League, which operated between 2007 and 2012. The WPS itself followed the legacy of the Women's United Soccer Association, active from 2001 through until 2003.

article-image

via Imago

Eight teams formed part of NWSL in its opening season, conducted in 2013. The first NWSL match kicked off on April 13th at Shawnee Mission District Stadium, where Portland Thorns competed against FC Kansas City; captivating an audience of 6,784 cheering fans. Remarkably, Portland Thorns FC emerged as the triumphant champions in this inaugural NWSL season.

What is the format of NWSL?

Commencing in 2024, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has experienced substantial transformations in its format. As part of the regular season, each team engages in a tally of 26 matches, incorporating home and away games against every other team in the NWSL. The top eight performing teams on the leaderboard receive an opportunity to compete for glory in the prestigious NWSL Playoffs.

Unlike before, the playoffs consist of 8 quarterfinal matches without any byes to the semifinals. The team that successfully progresses and emerges victorious in the final is awarded the NWSL Championship trophy. Additionally, there is the NWSL Challenge Cup, which has also been restructured. The Cup is a single contest that draws together last season’s NWSL Shield winner against the current reigning NWSL champions.

The leadership team of NWSL

The NWSL Leadership team comprises seven individuals, namely:

1. Jessica Berman, who holds the position of Commissioner.

2. Tatjana Haenni, serving as the Chief Sporting Director.

3. Lauren Lopez, responsible for the role of Chief People and Culture Officer.

4. Mitch Poll, assumes the position of EVP and Partner Strategy.

5. Julie Haddon, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer.

6. Carlin Hudson, holding the position of Director of Strategy.

7. Bill Ordower, who serves as both the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer.

How many NWSL teams are there?

As of the 2024 season, there are 14 teams in the NWSL. Each team represents a different a different region or city in America.

1. North Carolina Courage ”“ Cary, North Carolina

2. Orlando Pride ”“ Orlando, Florida

3. Racing Louisville FC ”“ Louisville, Kentucky

4. Washington Spirit ”“ Leesburg, Virginia

5. NJ/NY Gotham FC ”“ New York City, New York

6. Seattle Reign FC”“ Tacoma, Washington

7. Portland Thorns FC ”“ Portland, Oregon

8. San Diego Wave FC ”“ San Diego, California

9. Angel City FC ”“ Los Angeles, California

10. Bay FC - San Francisco, California

11. Chicago Red Stars ”“ Bridgeview, Illinois

12. Kansas City Current ”“ Kansas City, Missouri

13. Houston Dash ”“ Houston, Texas

14. Utah Royals FC - Salt Lake City, Utah

All about the NWSL Team Expansion

Inaugurated in 2012, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) established itself with an initial eight-team lineup. The first expansion occurred two years later, in 2014 when Houston Dash was incorporated as the league's ninth team. The following season saw the addition of two more teams, namely Orlando Pride and the Boston Breakers. This development continued into 2016 when Western New York Flash - since rebranded as North Carolina Courage - joined them on board.

Unfortunately, in 2018, the Boston Breakers ceased operations. However, Racing Louisville FC brought up their numbers again in 2020. Unrelenting growth followed suit into the next year as Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC took their places among NWSL ranks. Later, in 2024, Bay FC and Utah Royals FC joined the league. The NWSL has also expressed its desire to further expand and has announced plans to reach a total of 16 teams by 2026.

Popular players of the NWSL

1. Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC-

Sophia Smith has significantly impacted her club, securing their first-ever Golden Boot by scoring an impressive 11 goals in 17 matches. Notably, she is only the third player in NWSL history to achieve two hat tricks in a single season.

article-image

via Getty

2. Debinha, Kansas City Current-

Debinha made her debut for Kansas City Current in 2023 and showcased her prowess by netting nine goals. Additionally, she received recognition for her outstanding performances, earning three monthly Best XI selections in the same year.

3. Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC-

Naomi Girma burst onto the NWSL scene in 2022, immediately making a name for herself as the Defender of the Year and NWSL Rookie of the Year. Her remarkable contributions, including 152 possessions won and 52 blocks, were pivotal in leading San Diego Wave FC to their first-ever NWSL Shield triumph in 2023.

How much do NWSL players make?

Compensation within the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is contingent on a player's capabilities. In 2023, the minimum salary for an NWSL player stood at $36,400. On the other hand, the average salary for NWSL players was reported to be approximately $65,000. However, in 2024, the salary cap for NWSL teams experienced an increase. Previously set at $1.375 million, it was raised to $2.75 million in 2024.

Who won the NWSL Championship 2023?

NJ/NY Gotham FC. The 2023 NWSL Championship took place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, United States, featuring a thrilling match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and OL Reign. Ultimately, it was Gotham FC who claimed victory, defeating OL Reign with a scoreline of 2-1.

All about the 2024 NWSL

Notably, the NWSL 2024 season commences at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16th. The inaugural match features Kansas City Current versus Portland Thorns FC. The regular season will take a break from July 8th to August 18th to accommodate the 2024 Summer Olympics and conclude on November 3rd.

A total of 20 matches will be televised live on ABC and ESPN. Additionally, fans can catch the regular season matches on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. Furthermore, Weekly Friday night matches will be available on Prime Video, while weekly Saturday night double-headers can be enjoyed on the Scripps-owned ION network. Moreover, all matches can be accessed for free on NWSL+.

2024 NWSL Challenge Cup

The NWSL Challenge Cup is scheduled to unfold on March 15, 2024. This prestigious face-off will stand witness to New Jersey/New York Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave FC. The match will take place in the Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ), and the kick-off commences at 8 p.m. ET. The broadcast of this event will be readily available for viewing exclusively via Prime Video.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

2024 NWSL Championship

The NWSL playoffs for the year 2024 will begin on November 9th. The NWSL Championship match is scheduled to take place on November 23rd. Fans can catch the thrilling game on the CBS Television Network and also stream it on Paramount+.

Highlights of the 2024 NWSL season

1. Saturday, May 11: Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC (Cascadia Rivalry)

2. Thursday, May 23: Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave FC (SoCal Showdown )

3. Sunday, June 16: Bay FC vs. Utah Royals FC (Battle of the Expansion Sides)

4. Sunday, June 30: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC (2023 NWSL Championship Rematch)