The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently held its annual address ahead of the 2023 NWSL Championship, where Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted various achievements and future plans for the league. With a new multiyear broadcast rights deal and an aim to become the best women’s soccer league globally, Berman outlined the league’s aspirations and commitment to growth.
One significant announcement was the formation of the Women’s League Forum (WLF), a group that aims to empower and unite professional women’s soccer leagues worldwide. With representatives from 16 global leagues, the WLF will focus on networking, sharing best practices, and addressing the concerns and interests of these leagues.
Berman also shared positive attendance figures for the 2023 season, with median attendance up 40% and average attendance up 26%. The league sold over 1.2 million tickets, a 36% increase from the previous year. Nine clubs crossed the 10,000 attendance mark, doubling the number of 10K+ fans this year. The league attributes its success to the passionate fan base and the excitement created around the games.
Building on this momentum, the NWSL plans to expand further in the coming years. The 13th and 14th franchises, Utah Royals FC and Bay FC, are set to join in 2024. Furthermore, Boston has been awarded an expansion team for 2026. The league will soon begin the process of finding the 16th team, with several qualified investor groups showing interest in this opportunity.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics, Berman confirmed that the league will follow a similar scheduling approach as during the FIFA World Cup, ensuring that regular season games do not conflict with international competitions. Although there is no formal schedule yet, discussions are ongoing to determine the league’s activity during that period.
In addition, the NWSL playoffs will introduce quarterfinal matches, expanding the number of teams from six to eight. This change eliminates the bye week and introduces more playoff matches, increasing the anticipation and excitement for fans.
Overall, the NWSL is focused on seizing the opportunity to grow and become the best women’s soccer league globally. With record attendance, expansion plans, and strategic scheduling during major tournaments, the league is determined to build a successful future.
