The NWSL is packing the house, as the league reported it’s pacing toward another attendance milestone with nine of 16 clubs averaging more than 10,000 fans per game.
Expansion side Denver leads the surge with 20,579 fans per game, buoyed by its home opener against Washington, which drew a league-record 63,004 to the NFL’s Empower Field.
Portland (19,079) and Washington (15,527) are also driving growth, with the Spirit on track for a franchise record and the Thorns nearing their highest total since 2019.
Nine clubs are currently clearing 10,000 fans, up from seven in 2024 — a sign of steady progress since the NWSL’s 35.4% leap in 2023.
The 2027 World Cup could spark another bump, as major tournaments have historically boosted turnout by an average of 26.6% over the prior season.
“We know that major tournaments inspire millions of people to follow the sport, and our schedule allows us to be part of the lead-in and the lead-out of that big moment,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said at last week’s press conference.
