NWSL

NWSL news

NWSLPA files a formal grievance against the NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) filed a grievance against the NWSL's implementation of the “High Impact Player" (HIP) Rule. The NWSLPA states that the HIP violates the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law. This is the second grievance filed by the NWSLPA against the league.

Six takeaways: Spirit open NWSL 2026 as Legacy, Summit debut

The NWSL has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns. Opening weekend also features expansion sides Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC making their league debuts on March 14, with Boston hosting defending champions Gotham FC and Denver opening on the road against Bay FC. Here are GOAL’s six takeaways.

USWNT star Coffey completes transfer to Man City

United States Women's national team star Sam Coffey has completed a move from the Portland Thorns to Manchester City, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with the current Women's Super League leaders.

Heaps is coming home: What the move means for Denver Summit

Why Lindsey Heaps chose Denver Summit, and what her homecoming means for the NWSL’s newest club.

'Excited to come home' - USWNT's Heaps signs with Denver Summit

U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is returning to her home state of Colorado, set to join NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC in a blockbuster signing. The midfielder will link up with the club following the conclusion of her season with OL Lyonnes, expected in June 2026. Heaps has 170 international caps and has scored 38 goals.

'Develop more leaders’ - Takeaways from USWNT roster drop

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes rolls with 'available' players for January camp, which includes Trinity Rodman, Ally Sentnor, and four uncapped rookies.

Arsenal's Lionesses prospect learning from the USWNT's best

Arsenal have had their fair share of success stories over the years when it comes to the women's side of the academy. Leah Williamson, England's two-time European Championship-winning captain, and Lotte Wubben-Moy, also part of those triumphs with the Lionesses, are two of the most high-profiles examples of players who have progressed through the youth set-up and become key members of the first team - and they will not be the last.

United States v Portugal - International Friendly

Man City in advanced talks to sign USWNT star Coffey

Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks to sign United States international Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns. The Women's Super League pacesetters are seeking to end Chelsea's six-year stranglehold on the division, and now they are progressing with an eye-catching move for the midfielder. If they get this deal over the line, this could be a huge boost in their title bid.

'Unattached' Rodman headlines Hayes' USWNT roster call ups

Trinity Rodman headlines U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes’ 26-player January training camp roster ahead of matches against Paraguay and Chile. The camp falls outside a FIFA international window and features exclusively NWSL players, with Rodman - currently unattached to a club - included in the squad.

USWNT Abroad: How 2026 could reshape stars playing overseas

GOAL predicts how the the top USWNT players will do abroad in 2026, from Girma, Thompson and Macario at Chelsea to Heaps and Yohannes at Lyon, Tullis-Joyce at United and Fox at Arsenal.

Pulisic historic, Rodman stays, USMNT stumbles: 2026 predictions

From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.

Washington Spirit v NJ/NY Gotham FC - NWSL Championship 2025 Presented by Google Pixel

NWSL implements High Impact Player rule despite opposition

The NWSL announced Tuesday that it will introduce a new “High Impact Player” (HIP) rule beginning in 2026, allowing teams to spend up to $1 million above the league’s salary cap on qualifying players. The decision was met with swift opposition from the NWSL Players Association, which argues the league cannot unilaterally alter compensation structures without collective bargaining.

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Sophia Wilson is returning to Portland Thorns for 2026 season

Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 NWSL season after exercising the player option in her contract. The 25-year-old U.S. women’s national team forward missed the 2025 campaign while on maternity leave, but is set to resume her career with the club where it began after she was selected No. 1 in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and became a central figure in Portland’s sustained success.

‘They will lose credibility’ - DAZN's Chiu warns NWSL over Rodman

Mic'd Up: The analyst revealed all on Women's Sevens, broke down the Trinity Rodman contract dispute, and explained why some of the USWNT's top talents are looking abroad.

Man Utd eye Lundkvist and Schuller double January signing

Manchester United Women are reportedly trying to sign Swedish defender Hanna Lundkvist and German forward Lea Schuller as the January transfer window nears. The Red Devils sit fourth in the Women's Super League and are in with a shout of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League. Now, it seems, Marc Skinner's side are keen to strengthen their squad next month.

England announce U23s coach Coates has joined Bay FC

Emma Coates has left her role as England women’s under-23s head coach to become the new manager of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC. The Football Association (FA) has announced the recruitment process will begin “imminently” as they look to identify a successor to the 34-year-old, who worked closely with Sarina Wiegman while in charge of the young Lionesses.

NWSL Championship final smashes records with 1.2 million viewers

The 2025 NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel, delivered a landmark television audience, with Gotham FC’s 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit averaging 1,184,000 viewers in primetime on CBS. The broadcast capped a postseason marked by across-the-board gains in linear viewership, attendance and digital engagement, underscoring a peak moment in the league’s accelerating growth trajectory.

‘Am I done with Spirit yet?’ - Rodman uncertain on future

U.S. international Trinity Rodman said she is still weighing her next move as her contract with the Washington Spirit nears its end, noting that emotions and timing are shaping a decision she hasn’t made yet. Her deal expired after Sunday’s NWSL final against Gotham FC, officially making her a free agent and leaving her at a potential career crossroads.

What’s next for Gotham and Spirit? Outlook for NWSL finalists

Was this Trinity Rodman’s last match for the Spirit - and is Gotham’s quiet confidence about to reshape the league? Here’s what comes next for both finalists after a dramatic NWSL final.

Rodman speaks out on Spirit future after NWSL final defeat

Trinity Rodman has spoken out about her NWSL future as the Washington Spirit look to retain the forward's services. USWNT star Rodman's current deal in the capital expires next month and the Spirit are keen to keep 23-year-old after another strong season. DC Power have reportedly lodged an offer, which exceeds the Spirit's offer owing to the NWSL wage cap structure, while there is also interest from England's WSL.

Lavelle's late-winner delivers Gotham FC NWSL title over Spirit

For the second time in three seasons, Gotham FC are NWSL champions after a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit in San Jose. U.S. international Rose Lavelle - who scored against Gotham for the Seattle Reign in the 2023 Championship defeat - secured her first NWSL title with the game-winning strike. Trinity Rodman also featured for the Spirit in what could be her final game in the league.

How the Spirit can break down Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship

With everything on the line, here's how the Spirit can top the Gotham FC for the 2025 NWSL Championship.

United States v Brazil - International Friendly

Report: Rodman receives significant contract offer from Power

Trinity Rodman has received a contract offer from DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League that reportedly exceeds what the Washington Spirit or the NWSL can match. The U.S. forward’s contract with the Spirit expires next month, and negotiations over an extension have stalled. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has stressed her league will fight to keep the American star.

A case for Gotham beating the Spirit

With everything on the line, here's how Gotham FC can top the Spirit for the 2025 NWSL Championship.

Rodman’s future with Spirit reportedly remains uncertain

United States forward Trinity Rodman’s future with the Washington Spirit is reportedly uncertain as she weighs more lucrative offers from overseas. Saturday’s NWSL semifinal win over the Portland Thorns at Audi Field may have been her final home appearance, with her contract set to expire next month and extension talks stalling.

'Tighter every year' - White on parity in NCAA women's soccer

Mic'd Up: The former UNC stalwart knows college soccer is as crazy as ever, and figuring out who might win the NCAA Tournament is a frightening prospect.

Blank reportedly brings NWSL expansion team to Atlanta

The NWSL has reportedly awarded its 17th franchise to Atlanta, with Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment securing the expansion rights for a record $165 million fee, according to The Athletic. The team is set to begin play in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which also hosts Blank’s other professional teams - the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC.

NWSL on ESPN gains 61 percent increase in viewership

The NWSL has seen remarkable growth in its second season on ESPN platforms, with viewership reaching record levels. According to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel, the league’s average viewership for the 2025 regular season rose 61 percent compared to the previous year, while Spanish-language broadcasts grew by an impressive 109 percent from the 2024 average audience.

NWSL 2025 attendance down 5 percent from record 2024 totals

The NWSL finished the season with a five-percent overall dip in attendance from its record-setting 2024 season, when it averaged 11,235 fans per game. This year, the league had an average attendance of 10,669 across 182 games, nearly even with 2023. Eight of the NWSL's 14 teams had year-over-year drops. Meanwhile, four clubs set attendance records.

NWSL expansion sides Denver, Boston to debut in NFL venues

The Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit, NWSL expansion sides debuting in 2026, will play their first home matches at iconic NFL venues, the teams announced. The legacy will play in the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium on March 14, and the Summit will open in the Denver Broncos’ Empower Field on March 28.

Frequently asked questions

: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have won the Ligue 1 title 12 times, more than any other club. Their first win was in 1986, and they claimed their record-breaking 12th title in 2023, surpassing AS Saint-Etienne.
: The Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams since the 2023-24 season, prior to which 20 teams took part in the league. The inaugural season of the French first division in 1932-33 also consisted of 20 teams, divided in two groups of 10 teams each.
: Mickael Landreau holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances, with 618 matches as a goalkeeper. His career spanned nearly two decades, playing for clubs like Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, and Bastia.
: Delio Onnis holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with 299 goals. Playing as a centre-forward, his remarkable goal-scoring feats spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he starred for clubs like AS Monaco and Reims, making him a legend in French football.
: As of 2024, Dimitri Payet holds the record for the most assists in Ligue 1 history, with a total of 130 assists. The attacking midfielder achieved this milestone during his successful stints with several clubs, including Marseille and Lille.
: Pierre Braine holds the record of being the oldest player in Ligue 1 history, aged almost 45 years in a Ligue 1 game in 1945.
: At 15 years and 225 days, Kalman Gerencseri is the youngest player in Ligue 1 history. The Frenchman played for Lens against Monaco in a Ligue 1 game in 1960.
: Notable players who have graced Ligue 1 include legends like Zinedine Zidane, George Weah, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.
: Prominent managers in Ligue 1 include Arsene Wenger, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti, Adi Hutter, Luis Enrique, etc.
: The Orange Velodrome in Marseille is the largest stadium in Ligue 1, with a capacity of 67,394 spectators. Home to Marseille since 1937, it is renowned for its electric atmosphere and hosting significant football events in France.
: Neymar is indeed the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history. His transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was valued at a record €222 million, which remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.

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