Big Ali Krieger news! USWNT icon joins ESPN as face of network's NWSL coverage ahead of 2024 season

ESPN have announced that Krieger will return to work with the channel as a studio analyst ahead of the start of the new NWSL season at the weekend. The former USWNT defender is fresh from covering the W Gold Cup with CBS Sports, where she ended up becoming embroiled in the celebrations.

She said: "I am so excited for the opportunity to cover the sport I love and celebrate the impact the women’s game has on our culture. It is a thrill to join the gold standard in ESPN as they continue to invest in the future of soccer and women’s sport.”

Senior vice president Rodolfo Martinez also spoke about he appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Ali, Lianne, and Natalia to our NWSL on ESPN team. Their fresh off-the-field insight and in-depth knowledge of the sport will inform, entertain, and elevate our coverage of the league. Collectively, their voices will represent our ambition for the NWSL.”

Krieger has plenty of expertise to offer as an analyst after as she enjoyed a stellar 17-year playing career. The former defender won the World Cup twice with the USWNT and finished on a high in 2023 after captaining NJ/NY Gotham FC to the league title. There is plenty of excitement surrounding the new NWSL season with two new franchises entering the fray in Bay FC and the Utah Royals. Bay FC have already made waves by splashing out on a world-record fee to land Racheal Kundananji!.

The opening game of the NWSL 2024 season sees the Kansas City Current hosting the Portland Thorns in the inaugural match at CPKC Stadium.