👀 What’s new
The NWSL is currently undergoing a transformation. In addition to equipping each team with exciting new kits, the league is evolving to keep pace with Europe’s professional women’s leagues, such as England’s Women’s Super League (WSL), Spain’s Liga F, and France’s Division 1 Féminine.
Here’s what has changed since the conclusion of the 2023 season:
🏆 The Challenge Cup is now a single match between last season’s champion (Gotham) and NWSL Shield winner (Wave), rather than a season-long tournament.
📈 Two expansion teams, Bay FC and Utah Royals FC, will make their debut this weekend, with two more teams expected by 2026: a long-awaited Boston squad and another team yet to be decided.
🧼 Meanwhile, original NWSL teams Portland Thorns and Chicago Red Stars are under new ownership, marking the removal of the last high-profile decision-makers associated with the league’s previous systemic abuse.
🏟️ The Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium, one of the few women’s soccer-specific facilities globally, will host its first game tomorrow when the Current face the Thorns at 1 p.m. ET, unlocking new levels of excitement.
🌎 International roster spots have been increased from five to seven on each team this year, resulting in a significant influx of global talent in the league.
🦇 While some teams looked internationally for new talent, Gotham became a powerhouse by signing four players from the current USWNT to their championship squad.
📺 Additionally, a new $240 million media deal has been signed, the largest in women’s sports history. Games will be broadcast on various platforms in the U.S., including CBS, Paramount+, ABC, ESPN, Prime Video, NWSL+ (the league’s free streaming network), and ION.
⚙️ How it works
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Teams will play 26 matches this season, up from 22 in 2023, competing against each opponent twice, once at home and once away. The regular season will run from now through November, with an international break from July 8th to August 16th for players participating in the Paris Olympics.
During this period, the NWSL will introduce a tournament involving all 14 teams and a few international participants (excluding their Olympians). The top team at the end of the regular season will win the NWSL Shield, and for the first time, the top eight teams, up from six, will advance to the single-elimination playoffs.
💪 The contenders
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🦇 NJ/NY Gotham FC: After securing the championship in 2023 as a superteam, Gotham FC is expected to aim for back-to-back titles with their revamped lineup.
🌊 San Diego Wave: With consistent performance, Wave aims to take their talented team on a strong playoff run.
🌹 Portland Thorns: As captain Christine Sinclair prepares to retire, new stars like midfielder Jessie Fleming look to lead the Thorns to success.
☔ Bay FC: Although a new expansion team, Bay FC’s potential shines through with top-notch international players.
💧 Kansas City Current: Lead by the experienced Vlatko Andonovski, the Current seek redemption with Brazilian superstar Debinha.
🍊 Orlando Pride: Barbra Banda’s addition brings a fresh spark to Orlando’s squad alongside veteran Brazilian stars.
👼 Angel City FC: Investing in young talent, Angel City is poised for a bright future with promising teenage stars.
🐶 The underdogs
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⭐ Chicago Red Stars: With key players returning from injury, the Red Stars aim for a better season after finishing last in 2023.
👑 Seattle Reign FC: Undergoing changes, Reign FC looks to rebuild with the guidance of coach Laura Harvey.
🧨 Washington Spirit: Under new leadership, the Spirit are set for a transformation under interim control until the new head coach takes over.
💨 Houston Dash: Adding talent, the Dash aim to improve and make a mark this season.
✊ NC Courage: Despite setbacks, the Courage look to find their rhythm with new arrivals like Ashley Sanchez.
🐎 Racing Louisville FC: Working on improvements, Louisville aims to enhance their game this season.
🫅 Utah Royals FC: Coached by Amy Rodriguez, the Royals look to make an impact with top pick Ally Sentnor.
📺 How to watch
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The Challenge Cup starts tonight at 8 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video, with games scheduled on ABC, NWSL+, and ION over the weekend in the U.S. Canadian broadcast details are yet to be announced.
