Gotham FC steps back into the spotlight on Wednesday, when the reigning NWSL and Concacaf W Champions Cup winners take on SC Corinthians in the 2026 FIFA W Champions Cup semifinals in London.
"The hunger they have to win is unbelievable. It's in their nature," Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said of his team's continued title quest. "They win one competition and they're already thinking about the next one."
"This is where we want to be: competing in the semifinals, competing in the finals, competing to raise another trophy. That's the standard here at Gotham," defender Mandy Freeman echoed.
Further bolstering the US team is recent rookie signee Jordynn Dudley, who joins the NWSL club fresh off her own title-winning run at Florida State.
Hours after Gotham squares off against Brazil's 2025 Série A1 winners, UWCL champions Arsenal will face Moroccan Women's Championship titans ASFAR in the inaugural four-team competition's other semifinal.
The final and third-place matches will take place on Sunday, with a history-making $3.95 million total prize pool on the line.
The tournament winners will take home $2.3 million, while the runners-up net $1 million and each third-place team leaves with $200,000 — with $100,000 and $150,000 already sent to the clubs eliminated from the competition's play-in round.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA W Champions Cup semifinals
Gotham will kick off Wednesday's 2026 FIFA W Champions Cup semifinals against Corinthians at 7:30 AM ET, before Arsenal plays ASFAR at 1 PM ET.
Both clashes will air live on DAZN.
The 2026 NWSL schedule arrived on Thursday, with the now-16-team expanded league gearing up for its 14th campaign complete with 248 regular-season matches, seven playoff games, and a standalone Challenge Cup.
The season officially kicks off on Friday, March 13th, with a midseason break slated for June 1st through 28th.
The 2026 NWSL schedule also sees the return of Rivalry Week in July, as well as a simultaneous kick-off Decision Day to cap the season on Sunday, November 1st.
Each team will play a total of 30 regular-season matches, with games broadcast across ESPN, Prime, ION, CBS, NWSL+, and new free streamer Victory+.
In the only major departure from the previously released framework, the league is shifting the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup from the beginning of the season to a neutral site in June.
This year's Challenge Cup will see reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC facing the Shield-winning Kansas City Current, with the pair's 2025 quarterfinals rematch set for Friday, June 26th.
The clash will take place in Ohio at the home stadium of MLS's Columbus Crew in order to give local fans "the opportunity to experience elite women's soccer in person at this celebratory showcase event," according to Thursday's NWSL press release.
As for the 2026 NWSL Playoffs, the league's three-round postseason will begin on November 6th, with eight clubs competing for a ticket to the Championship match on Saturday, November 21st.
The winter of change is revving up for the Kansas City Current, with the 2025 NWSL Shield-winners announcing both a new manager and key player departures this week.
Former MLS head coach Chris Armas will officially take over as manager, after the Current's former sideline leader Vlatko Andonovski became the club's sporting director in November.
"[Armas] brings an abundance of experience at the highest levels," said Kansas City co-owners Angie and Chris Long in a Wednesday club statement. "We are confident he will further cultivate and enhance our competitive environment as we continue to pursue championships and expand our global footprint."
Armas will have his work cut out for him, however, as Kansas City will attempt to defend their Shield in the 2026 NWSL season despite major on-field contributors continuing to jump ship.
Most notably, Brazil national team star and 2025 NWSL MVP candidate Bia Zaneratto departed the club to pursue free agency, the Current announced on Wednesday.
"The impact that Bia had in Kansas City over the past two years is immeasurable," said Andonovski about the 32-year-old attacker. "Her quality, both on and off the field, will be greatly missed. On behalf of everyone at the Current, we thank Bia for everything she has given to this club and to this city."
All in all, Kansas City is turning over an untested leaf, committing to rolling the dice in 2026 after falling short of the NWSL championship in 2025.
Incoming 2026 expansion side Boston Legacy FC is stocking up, signing former Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens to a two-year contract with a mutual third-year option in another top NWSL talent transaction.
"It's a blank slate. It's a new challenge, the staff, the coach. I just think the energy is here, and I want to win," Stevens said in Monday's press release.
Stevens joined Gotham in 2024 after four seasons with Chicago, winning both the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup and the 2025 NWSL Championship with her new team in quick succession.
"Ella is a proven NWSL player whose best years are still ahead of her. She brings a strong team-first mindset and competitiveness that fits exactly with what we're building in Boston," said Boston Legacy GM Domè Guasch about the 28-year-old Duke alum.
"She'll make an impact on the field, but just as importantly, she elevates the people around her," Guasch added. "Ella understands what it takes to win at the highest level, and that experience will be invaluable as we set high standards and look to be competitive from day one."
Stevens joins an inaugural Boston Legacy roster that also includes standout goalkeeper Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), 18-year-old rising star forward Chloe Ricketts (Washington Spirit), and Brazil forward and 2025 Ballon d'Or nominee Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras).
Boston's roster will make its debut in the club's Gillette Stadium home opener at 12:30 PM ET on Saturday, March 14th.
The USWNT is eyeing another 2025 victory, with US Soccer announcing the finalists for the federation's end-of-year awards on Monday, including the five women nominated for US Soccer Female Player of the Year.
After stellar runs for both club and country, Arsenal defender Emily Fox, Portland Thorns midfielder Sam Coffey, Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle, and Chelsea FC forwards Alyssa Thompson and Catarina Macario headline the 2025 shortlist.
The youth national teams' Young Female Player of the Year award also tapped top finalists in Angel City forward Riley Tiernan, Chicago Stars forward Micayla Johnson, Seattle Reign defender Jordyn Bugg, Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale, and University of Virginia freshman defender Pearl Cecil.
The USWNT also earned a Game of the Year nomination, with US Soccer recognizing the team's dominant 3-0 victory over North American rival Canada in July.
While national team play is paramount in determining the honorees, club performances also factor into the awards, with several Player of the Year nominees significantly adding to their resumes away from the international pitch in 2025.
In May, Fox helped Arsenal to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League title and Macario lifted the WSL trophy with Chelsea, while Gotham stars Lavelle and Reale finished their NWSL season as league champions late last month — with Reale also taking home the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year trophy.
How to vote for the 2025 US Soccer Player of the Year Awards
Players, coaches, media, the US Soccer board, and fans will determine the ultimate winners, with fan picks making up 15% of the final tally.
Fans can submit their votes online now through Friday, December 12th, with US Soccer slated to announce the winners in January.
The 2025 NWSL season more than delivered, raising stakes and fueling drama both on and off the field.
From Spirit star Trinity Rodman's goal-scoring injury return to Kansas City's history Shield victory, the year was defined by ups and downs, resilience and growth, and myriad milestones. Investment reached new heights, kicked off by Denver's 2026 expansion team bid and Naomi Girma's million-dollar transfer — a global first for women's soccer.
Off the pitch, the work continued. The year saw a $5 million settlement addressing past misconduct and the introduction of the league's first prospect combine. As for in-game action, the Challenge Cup, Euros, and playoff race additionally showcased the league's unrivaled parity.
This month-by-month review recaps all the unforgettable highlights that made the 2025 NWSL season yet another a defining chapter for the league.
January: Denver lands record bid for 2026 NWSL expansion team
In January, the NWSL approved Denver's bid to become the league's 16th franchise, set to begin play in 2026. The deal came with a then-record $110 million price tag, at the time highest-ever in US professional women's sports. Led by Rob Cohen and Mellody Hobson, the ownership group announced plans to build a dedicated stadium, highlighting the league's financial growth and commitment to expansion.
Runner up: San Diego's Naomi Girma signs with Chelsea in record $1.1 million transfer deal
Wave defender Naomi Girma kicked off the year by transferring to reigning WSL champions Chelsea FC in a historic deal. The transfer fee was a record-breaking $1.1 million, becoming the first in women's soccer history to cross the million-dollar mark. It became a new benchmark for player valuation, further solidifying the competitive tension between the NWSL and European clubs.
February: NWSL raises salary cap ahead of 2025 season kick-off
In February, the NWSL significantly raised team spending in accordance with the most recent league CBA. The salary cap shot up to $3.3 million for a 22-to-26 player roster, supplemented by a new revenue-sharing mechanism. This increase — featuring planned growth over five years — aimed to up player compensation and better compete with European clubs after the league's first full season of unrestricted free agency.
Runner up: NWSL reaches $5 million settlement over abuse investigation
Earlier, the NWSL reached a $5 million settlement to compensate players impacted by the league's historic cultural issues. The result of a joint multi-year investigation by state Attorneys General, the settlement signaled a renewed commitment to accountability, and paved the way for reforms enhancing player safety and welfare.
March: Washington Spirit win the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup in penalties
The Spirit claimed their second trophy in March, winning the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup over reigning NWSL champions Orlando. The final ended 1-1 in regulation after Washington equalized behind a free kick goal from Colombia star Leicy Santos — the second-ever direct free kick goal in NWSL final history. It then moved to penalty kicks. That's when Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made the difference, securing a penalty save before Tara McKeown converted a shot for the 4-2 win.
Runner up: Boston NWSL expansion team rebrands to Boston Legacy FC
Following public criticism of their initial rollout, Boston's NWSL expansion team — formerly BOSNation — officially rebranded to Boston Legacy FC in March. The new name drew on New England's rich history and women's soccer ties, while also incorporating fan feedback and community connection.
April: Trinity Rodman steps away from Washington Spirit to rehab injury
Washington's Trinity Rodman was ruled out indefinitely in April, stepping away from the team to focus on rehabbing a lingering back injury. Rodman had struggled with the issue since 2021, opting to prioritize recovery in hopes of returning before the season's end. Her absence was a blow to the Spirit, bringing up questions about her future with the team and long-term load management.
Runner up: NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman says league could rival NFL in size
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman made a bold statement in April, saying the league could one day rival the NFL's 32-team field. The prediction highlighted the NWSL's financial rise, exploding fanbase, and eye toward global dominance while underlining its goal to become a major US player. The league welcomed its 17th team in Atlanta in November, with their eyes reportedly on an 18-team setup by 2028.
May: Savy King's medical emergency stirs up player welfare concerns
In May, Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed mid-match in a regular season game against the Utah Royals. She required 10 minutes of on-field medical attention before being stretchered off, later undergoing surgery for a heart abnormality. The incident sparked criticism after officials decided the game would resume, leading the NWSLPA to demand protocol changes requiring suspension whenever life-saving measures are needed.
Runner up: Gotham wins inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup
Gotham won May's inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup, with the victory automatically punching their ticket to the upcoming FIFA Women's Champions Cup. The continental win brought a new international trophy to the NWSL, elevating the league's profile while subsequently setting the stage for Gotham's eventual 2025 NWSL championship.
June: Coach Jonatan Giraldez departs Washington Spirit for Lyonnes in midseason shakeup
Heads turned in June when Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez left the NWSL midseason to take over French side — and fellow Michele Kang-owned operation — OL Lyonnes. Giráldez, who joined the Spirit after success with FC Barcelona, was immediately succeeded by assistant coach and 2024 interim Adrián González. The move raised questions about Kang's multi-team ownership, and the billionaire's plans for her global company, Kynisca Sports International.
Runner up: San Diego Wave honors Alex Morgan with jersey retirement ceremony
The San Diego Wave honored club icon and USWNT legend Alex Morgan with a June jersey retirement ceremony. The event recognized Morgan's pivotal role in the 2022 expansion team's success, plus her lasting impact on US soccer. Her retirement marked the conclusion of a celebrated career, leaving a legacy of championships and advocacy for women's sports athletes.
July: NWSL stars light up 2025 Women's Euros
As the NWSL pressed pause, several league players headed to Switzerland for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Representing Spain, Gotham's Esther González finished as the tournament's top scorer, earning the Golden Boot award for her four goals and leading Spain to a second-place finish. Seattle's Jess Fishlock captained Wales through their major tournament debut. Fishlock eventually made history by scoring their first-ever Euros goal — while also becoming the oldest goalscorer in tournament history.
San Diego's Delphine Cascarino provided an attacking force for France, with two goals and two assists, including a Goal of the Tournament nominee against the Netherlands. Washington newcomer Sofia Cantore tallied three assists for Italy, playing a pivotal role in her team's underdog journey.
Germany and Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger played quarterfinal hero against France, with nine saves and two penalty blocks to help her team advance. Finally, Berger's partner and Gotham teammate Jess Carter linked up with Spirit standout Esme Morgan to fuel England all the way to back-to-back Euros titles.
August: Spirit striker Trinity Rodman scores game-winner in return from injury
In an emotional return to play, Washington superstar Trinity Rodman scored the game-winning goal against Portland in August. Subbing in late in the match, Rodman fired home the stoppage-time strike to lift the Spirit over the Thorns 2-1. The dramatic contribution cemented Rodman's comeback after four months spent away from the team nursing a lingering back injury.
Runner up: Bay FC sets NWSL attendance record at San Francisco's Oracle Park
Washington defeated Bay FC 3-2 at San Francisco's Oracle Park in August — but the real headline came from the record-breaking 40,091-strong crowd, setting a new single-game NWSL attendance benchmark. That number shattered the previous NWSL high of 35,038, set the previous year at Chicago's Wrigley Field. Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya called it "a historic moment," praising both the quality of play and the atmosphere. Spirit coach Adrián González echoed the sentiment, saying the setup and the fans made the match "something unique."
September: Kansas City Current win 2025 NWSL Shield in record fashion
Kansas City won the 2025 NWSL Shield on September 20th after a 2-0 victory over Seattle, clinching the title faster than any prior NWSL team. The victory solidified the Current's No. 1 playoff seed and home-field advantage, officially rendering them the winningest team in NWSL history. It additionally capped a dominant season that included a record nine-match shutout streak and 14 clean sheets behind Goalkeeper of the Year Lorena.
Runner up: NWSL announces first-ever prospect combine
Concurrently, the NWSL unveiled a major new initiative in September. The league replaced the CBA-abolished college draft with the league's first-ever prospect combine. The event is intended to create a more streamlined player evaluation pathway, while better preparing college athletes for the pros and enhancing talent acquisition across the NWSL.
October: Angel City stars Christen Press and Ali Riley announce pro soccer retirements
Angel City lost two titans in October, as captain Ali Riley and USWNT legend Christen Press announced they were hanging up their boots. First-ever ACFC captain Riley retired after overcoming a chronic nerve injury that sidelined her for much of 2024. Two-time World Champion Press also concluded her decorated run after struggling with knee injuries throughout her career.
Runner up: Houston ends Kansas City's 2025 NWSL unbeaten streak as Temwa Chawinga exits with injury
The Houston Dash ended the Kansas City Current's unbeaten streak in a hard-fought October 18th match. The victory, however, was overshadowed by star Kansas City forward — and 2025 NWSL Golden Boot winner — Temwa Chawinga's early exit. Chawinga's availability became an instant concern for the league-leaders as they headed into the final weeks of the regular season. The fears proved correct, as she had to sit out Kansas City's shocking quarterfinal loss in the playoffs.
November: Rose Lavelle fuels Gotham's 2025 NWSL Championship win
No. 8 Gotham lifted the 2025 NWSL trophy, pulling off a final upset over No. 2 Washington to win a second championship in three years — once again as the lowest seed. Gotham's defense held court, limiting Washington to zero shots on target and setting their attack up to seize opportunities. A second-half ankle knock saw Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt leave Washington down a player as she sought sideline treatment. Gotham's NWSL Final MVP Rose Lavelle subsequently broke the deadlock with the Spirit in disarray, launching an 80th-minute strike to secure the 1-0 victory — and her first league title.
Runner up: Racing Louisville clinches first-ever NWSL playoff appearance
On November 2nd's Decision Day, Racing Louisville clinched a franchise-first trip to the NWSL playoffs. As the No. 7 seed, Louisville set a new club record with 37 points and 10 wins on the season. While their run ended in a quarterfinal loss to Washington, the appearance marked a significant milestone after four consecutive 9th-place finishes. The team's achievement earned manager Bev Yanez 2025 Coach of the Year at the league's end-of-season awards.
The 2025 NWSL Championship claimed a major viewership milestone on Saturday, as Gotham FC's 1-0 title win over the Washington Spirit became the first-ever league match to record an average of more than one million viewers.
The CBS evening broadcast averaged an impressive 1.184 million fans and peaked at 1.55 million viewers, making it the most-watched NWSL match of all time.
The 2025 final marked a 22% viewership increase over the 967,900 fans who watched 2024's Orlando Pride victory — the previous NWSL viewership record-holder — and a 45% ratings gain over Gotham's 2023 championship win, which averaged 816,800 viewers.
Saturday's gains both matched the 22% viewership increase the NWSL regular season saw this year and also far exceeded the 2025 postseason's pre-final year-over-year increase of 5%.
Calling the one-million viewer mark "an extraordinary achievement" in Tuesday's league statement, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman also noted that the "record-setting audience demonstrates the deepening connection fans have with our players, our clubs, and the world-class competition on the field, and it underscores the growing demand for women's soccer on the biggest stages."
"We're incredibly proud of what this moment represents for the NWSL and for everyone who continues to invest in and believe in the future of our game," Berman added.
World No. 1 Spain will take aim at a second-straight UEFA Nations League title this week, as La Roja take on No. 5 Germany in the first leg of the 2025 tournament's final at 2:30 PM ET on Friday.
The defending Nations League champions booked their spot in the 2025 final by dismantling No. 3 Sweden 5-0 on aggregate in the semifinal round, while Germany advanced after a tense 3-2 aggregate win over No. 6 France.
Germany must also contend with availability issues during Friday's match, as 28-year-old Bayern Munich forward and senior national team leading scorer Lea Schüller will be out due to family reasons.
To overcome that disadvantage, German head coach Christian Wück is reinforcing the team's back line, adding Athletic Bilbao defender Bibi Schulze Solano to the roster on Wednesday.
Also aiming to shut down Spain's offensive firepower on Friday is new NWSL champion goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who joined her German compatriots late following Gotham FC's title celebrations in New York this week.
While Spain and Germany will contend for the 2025 Nations League trophy this week, the pair — along with ousted semifinalists Sweden and France — have already booked spots in the top group of teams battling for tickets to the 2027 World Cup, with UEFA qualifying set to begin in 2026.
The USWNT has reconvened in Florida ahead of the world No. 2 team's final two 2025 friendlies, with more than a few NWSL standouts aiming to impress against No. 12 Italy on Friday.
Seven players on this week's 26-player US roster featured in last weekend's 2025 NWSL Championship match, which USWNT manager Emma Hayes watched in person.
"There's always analysis," Hayes said before the NWSL final. "I'll just have to view it as a coach. But I know both teams really well, so it'll be interesting to see how they match up in different areas."
The NWSL runners-up Washington Spirit have midfielder Croix Bethune and defender Kate Wiesner on this week's USWNT roster, with Gotham FC adding five players to the mix following Monday's championship celebration in New York: attacker Jaedyn Shaw, midfielders Jaelin Howell and Rose Lavelle, plus defenders Lilly Reale and Emily Sonnett.
Howell, in particular, faces a big opportunity this week after receiving her first senior team call-up in more than three years.
"Obviously, it's a huge blessing," said Howell. "[An NWSL Championship and returning to the USWNT] were two of my main goals this year. I'm very excited, but huge credit to Gotham and what they've invested in me and my amazing teammates — I love them so much."
How to watch the USWNT vs. Italy on Friday
The Gotham and Spirit players will join other NWSL and European club standouts when the No. 2 USWNT takes on No. 12 Italy in the first of two friendlies on Friday.
The action kicks off at 7 PM ET, with live coverage airing on TNT and HBO Max.
No. 8 Gotham FC lifted the NWSL trophy on Saturday, as the NJ/NY club completed their 2025 postseason upset run with a 1-0 victory over the No. 2 Washington Spirit to win their second championship in three years — once again stealing the league title as the lowest playoff seed.
Clinching the championship was Gotham midfielder Rose Lavelle, who broke through the back-and-forth battle with a looping 80th-minute strike to secure victory for the Bats — and earn the 2025 NWSL Final MVP title in the process.
"I always say you learn the most about yourself in the toughest moments," Lavelle said postgame. "The adversity we faced throughout the season really helped set us up to be prepared for this playoff push."
The Gotham defense also held court throughout Saturday's match, limiting Washington to zero shots on target while setting up their attack to seize a golden opportunity.
Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt suffered an ankle knock in the second half, leaving Washington down a player as she sought sideline treatment — only for Lavelle to seal the deal moments after the visibly uncomfortable Hershfelt retook the pitch.
"Obviously now we can say that maybe [substituting Hershfelt] was late, but she was trying to push," said Spirit manager Adrián González, who pulled Hershfelt moments after Lavelle's goal.
Proving their dismissal of their underdog status throughout the 2025 NWSL Playoffs, the Bats successfully survived a veritable postseason gauntlet en route to their second title, ousting both the top-seeded Kansas City Current — the winningest team in league history — and 2024 champions Orlando before facing the No. 2-seed Spirit.
"We have so much talent on this team, and we underperformed [in the regular season]," explained Gotham defender Emily Sonnett. "Being able to have that reset going into the postseason was huge for us."