The NWSL ushered in its 2026 season with a bang, as the newly expanded 16-team league's opening weekend shattered attendance records across the country.
All eight games combined for crowds of 129,202 total fans. With an average of 16,150 fans per match, last weekend clocked in as the best-attended opening campaign in NWSL history.
Seven of the eight matches drew more than 10,000 fans, logging a new league record for most opening weekend matches surpassing that mark — far exceeding the four-match record set in 2023 and 2025.
Leading the charge by a wide margin was 2026 expansion side Boston Legacy FC, with the NWSL newcomers welcoming 30,207 fans to Foxborough's Gillette Stadium for the club's inaugural home opener against reigning champs Gotham FC on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the season's first match between Portland and Washington ranked second in attendance after a sellout crowd of 19,215 packed into the Spirit's Audi Field for the Thorns' win.
More than 14,000 fans also showed up for the home openers of Angel City (16,813), the Orlando Pride (16,120), and the San Diego Wave (14,078).
Meanwhile, 2024 expansion side Bay FC extended their perfect 10,000+ season-opening crowd streak with 13,110 fans on Saturday.
Defending Shield-winners Kansas City also continued their perfect attendance, as Saturday's 11,500 crowd became the Current's 27th straight regular-season home sellout since CPKC Stadium opened in March 2024.
Though the 2026 opening weekend's attendance total is in part bolstered by the inventory added by two new clubs, the per-match average could be an early indicator that the NWSL is putting 2025's attendance concerns in the rearview.
The Boston Legacy and Denver Summit entered the NWSL with a bang, as the league's newest teams opened their 2026 campaigns with red cards in twin Saturday losses.
Both Boston defender Bianca St-Georges and Denver full-back Janine Sonis left their clubs shorthanded in their franchise debuts by earning the young NWSL season's first two red cards.
The results reflected the clubs' on-pitch frustrations, as the Legacy fell 1-0 to reigning champion Gotham FC before the Summit lost 2-1 to Bay FC.
It wasn't all disappointment, however, as Boston set a new inaugural home opener attendance record when more than 30,200 fans packed into Gillette Stadium.
"This environment — to the players, to women's football — I think contributes a lot to the game," said Boston head coach Filipa Patão. "We need to continue to do that."
That said, the Legacy's new record is likely to fall later this month, as Denver looks to break the NWSL's overall attendance mark after selling more than 50,000 tickets to the Summit's March 28th home opener at Mile High Stadium.
How to watch the Denver Summit and Boston Legacy next weekend
The newcomers will have another crack at it next weekend, starting when Denver visits the Orlando Pride at 8 PM ET on Friday, with live coverage on Victory+.
Then on Saturday, Boston will face the Houston Dash at 4 PM ET, airing live on ION.
Gotham FC will start the 2026 NWSL season flying high, as the reigning NWSL champions look to rev up a fresh regional rivalry against expansion side Boston Legacy FC on Saturday.
"There's a target on your back, but that's what's really fun about this league," Gotham defender and 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale told amNewYork. "You want as much pressure and for the stakes to be as high as possible."
"We want to just play free, we want to have fun, and show something about football that is not always seen in this league," said Boston forward Nichelle Prince ahead of the club's debut match.
Prior to kicking off the 2026 season, Gotham added another stellar contributor to their stacked roster, as the Bats officially signed Chelsea winger and Norway star Guro Reiten on Thursday.
The six-time WSL champion will join the NWSL side on loan through July, before entering into a pre-arranged contract running through 2029.
"Her experience competing for major trophies with Chelsea and her impact with the Norwegian national team will bring valuable leadership and attacking creativity to our squad," said Gotham GM and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West in the club's announcement.
How to watch Boston Legacy vs. Gotham FC in their 2026 NWSL opener
Expansion side Boston will host the reigning champion Gotham in the Legacy's inaugural match on Saturday.
The East Coast duo will face off at 12:30 PM ET, airing live on ABC.
The NWSL is gearing up for the 2026 season, with all 16 clubs releasing their jersey designs on Thursday morning — with a few teams going the extra mile.
Each team dropped at least one new look, while select clubs added a third kit to their arsenal for the first time.
Incoming expansion teams Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC already introduced original home and away jerseys, providing a sneak peek to fans earlier this month, with the 14 veteran clubs revealing their kits on Thursday.
Every new NWSL jersey tells a story, while a few dynamic concepts lean into bold colors and local details.
The Washington Spirit are debuting their first-ever cherry blossom kit, the Wave's latest addition reflects San Diego's 1,200-acre Balboa Park, and the Pride's Unity Kit symbolizes "the strength, resilience, and unity of the City of Orlando" 10 years after the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.
Other kits embrace regional lore, like Racing's disco ball design — a nod to Louisville's history as the world's leading disco ball producer — with the North Carolina Courage paying homage to the state's official carnivorous plant, the Venus fly trap, while Gotham FC's first-ever third kit is a 3D take on Lady Liberty.
How to purchase the new 2026 NWSL jerseys
The 2026 NWSL kits — including goalkeeper jerseys, customizable jerseys, and pre-match tops — are currently available for purchase in unisex, women's, and youth cuts at the NWSL Shop.
The NWSL is adding fan fashion to matchday this season, teaming up with Washington, DC-based design label Dead Dirt to launch an exclusive preseason collection of jerseys this week.
Dead Dirt dropped the colorful knit merch for all 16 NWSL franchises, with initial jersey inventories for multiple clubs — including incoming 2026 expansion teams Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC — selling out within hours of the Thursday night release.
Showcasing a collared, V-necked, rugby shirt aesthetic, each kit includes nods to the club's color and crest throughout the design.
Named the Spirit's first-ever creative director in March 2024, Dead Dirt founder Domo Wells dropped multiple collections with the Washington club over the last two seasons — from 2024's "New Growth" collection to 2025's "Cherry Blossom" and "Fast Track" capsules — before the NWSL tapped Wells to expand her design footprint league-wide.
"You have to truly understand the team's culture and region. That's why my first full season with the Washington Spirit mattered," Wells told The Cut last month. "That's when the conversation shifted from one team to the entire league."
Additionally, this week's launch is the first of many future NWSL collaborations, with Wells detailing a "layered" plan for cohesive league-wide drops "with the option for teams to go deeper if they want more."
As for what NWSL fans can expect from upcoming Dead Dirt collections, Wells sees her role as "reframing merch as storytelling."
"My goal [is] always to design pieces that live outside the stadium," she explained. "If it doesn't live in [a fan's] closet after game day, it's not worth the spend."
How to buy NWSL x Dead Dirt knit jerseys
The entire NWSL x Dead Dirt jersey collection is available online now at the NWSL Shop and the Dead Dirt store.
As the NWSL preseason rapidly approaches, the league's two incoming expansion teams announced key additions to their rosters over the last week as they pad out their inaugural squads.
On Tuesday, Denver Summit FC officially announced the signing of USYNT and CF Pachuca Femenil defender Ayo Oke for a reported $450,000 transfer fee — the most ever paid for an incoming US national.
The 22 year-old Cal and UCLA alum has been a mainstay in the USWNT youth pipeline since 2018, and became a Liga MX champion in her first-ever professional season last year.
"I'm excited to join Denver Summit FC and be part of building something new," said Oke in the club's announcement. "I'm ready to compete, grow, and help set the standard from day one."
Meanwhile on the East Coast, Boston Legacy FC has been more than keeping pace, bringing on Brazil national team defender Andressa "Kaká" Ferreira from top Brazilian side São Paulo, Colombian center back Jorelyn Carabalí from the WSL's Brighton & Hove Albion, Mexico international and former Club América left back Nicki Hernández, and Canada winger and NWSL free agent Bianca St-Georges — signing the quartet over the last six days.
With the NWSL expansion draft a thing of the past, Denver and Boston have been proactive in their acquisitions from the jump.
Denver has stocked up on NWSL veterans like Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, Jordan Baggett, and first-ever signing Ally Watt — all of whom have earned at least one league championship — while Boston added reigning NWSL champ Ella Stevens while also targeting rising international stars like Brazil's Amanda Gutierres and Laís Araújo.
With the 2026 NWSL campaign looming, clubs only have a few weeks left to finalize their preseason rosters — with more than a few big-name free agents still in the mix.
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.
NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy FC has found a home, with the franchise announcing Friday that it plans to play the majority of the club's 2026 inaugural season at Foxborough's Gillette Stadium while moving some matches to Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Home to the NFL's New England Patriots, Gillette will also serve as a host site for the men's 2026 World Cup, pushing the Boston Legacy to relocate some conflicting summer clashes to Centreville Bank Stadium.
Located approximately 22 miles by car from Foxborough, Pawtucket's soccer-specific venue is home to second-flight USL Championship side Rhode Island FC.
"As we expand across two exceptional venues, we see this as an opportunity to connect with even more soccer fans across the region," said Boston Legacy president Jennifer van Dijk in Friday's club statement.
Meanwhile, the Legacy is still moving forward on a public-private partnership with Boston's White Stadium for the 2027 season and beyond, with the Franklin Park venue still undergoing renovations through the 2026 season.
How to attend the first-ever Boston Legacy FC match
With the club aiming to move into its state-of-the-art performance center prior to making its NWSL debut, Boston Legacy FC is also gearing up for its first-ever home opener, which will kick off inside Gillette Stadium at 12:30 PM ET on Saturday, March 14th.
Though the expansion side's opening opponent — as well as the rest of the league's 2026 schedule — is still unknown, fans can be a part of NWSL history by snagging tickets to the club's first-ever match at BostonLegacyFC.com.
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.
Atlanta is reportedly next in line to join the NWSL, with sources telling The Athletic on Sunday that the Georgia capital has won the bid to field the league's 17th franchise, with the newest expansion club aiming to take the pitch in 2028.
AMB Sports & Entertainment — the parent company to MLS side Atlanta United and the NFL's Falcons — shelled out a record $165 million expansion fee to enter the league, a significant jump from the $110 million Denver Summit FC owners paid to snag the 16th NWSL club in January 2025.
With the Atlanta United routinely drawing some of the largest crowds across MLS, the move to Georgia allows the NWSL to tap into both the area's existing soccer fanbase as well as the United's pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the anticipated downtown home of the incoming women's club.
Also setting up shop in Atlanta in the near future is US Soccer, after AMB founder Arthur Blank donated $50 million to help fund the federation's 2026 relocation.
If confirmed, the Atlanta expansion will continue a wave of growth for the NWSL, with new teams kicking off their inaugural campaigns in Denver and Boston next year — despite rising concerns about dwindling attendance across several key markets.