Tag

Nwsl

All articles tagged with #nwsl

Ted Lasso Highlights the Hidden Hurdle for Women in Soccer Coaching
sports12 days ago

Ted Lasso Highlights the Hidden Hurdle for Women in Soccer Coaching

A new Ted Lasso episode foregrounds a real-world problem: despite rising investment and more coaching licenses, female head coaches remain scarce in soccer because clubs often demand proven elite experience before hiring, creating a Catch-22 for women. The piece notes UEFA and FIFA efforts to expand women’s coaching licenses, highlights trailblazers like Bev Yanez and Eva Olid as signs of progress, and argues that opportunity—more than training alone—will drive lasting change as the next generation of former players moves into leadership roles.

Hometown Hero Heaps Leads Denver Summit FC in NWSL Homecoming
sports13 days ago

Hometown Hero Heaps Leads Denver Summit FC in NWSL Homecoming

Lindsey Heaps (née Horan), USWNT captain and soccer icon, returns to her hometown to lead Denver Summit FC as the NWSL expands in Colorado, reflecting a storied career that began with skipping college for pro soccer in Europe and includes World Cup glory and Olympic gold, now balancing club leadership with national-team duties and chasing a World Cup roster spot.

Gotham FC's Citi Field showcase signals NWSL's meteoric rise and growing pains
sports1 month ago

Gotham FC's Citi Field showcase signals NWSL's meteoric rise and growing pains

Gotham FC’s 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit at Citi Field drew 42,175 fans—the second-largest crowd in NWSL history and the biggest ever for a women’s game in New York City—highlighting the league’s rapid growth, marquee signings like Kerr, and ongoing growing pains such as hydration breaks amid poor air quality, as Gotham eyes a 2028 move to New York.

Gotham FC to Move to Queens, Link Up with NYCFC at Etihad Park in 2028
sports1 month ago

Gotham FC to Move to Queens, Link Up with NYCFC at Etihad Park in 2028

Gotham FC will relocate from Harrison, New Jersey to Queens’ Willets Point, joining NYCFC at the new Etihad Park for the 2028 season. The 25,000-seat stadium—set to open in 2027 and also hosting NYCFC—will host concerts and other events. Season-ticket deposits start at $28, and the move brings top-tier women’s soccer closer to NYC fans, with officials highlighting the initiative as part of bolstering the city’s sports landscape.

Fireworks misfire at Angel City FC game sends debris into stands
sports1 month ago

Fireworks misfire at Angel City FC game sends debris into stands

A postgame fireworks show at Angel City FC's BMO Stadium after a 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride malfunctioned, sending projectiles into the stands and filling the field with smoke. No serious injuries were reported, and ACFC said fans were able to depart safely while the club reviews the incident with its pyrotechnics vendor. Interim head coach Leif Gunnar Smerud led the team in the victory.

Sam Kerr Returns to NWSL with Gotham, Eyeing Records and Trophies
sports1 month ago

Sam Kerr Returns to NWSL with Gotham, Eyeing Records and Trophies

Australian star Sam Kerr is returning to the NWSL with Gotham FC on a contract through 2030, aiming to extend her regular-season goal record and chase more all-competition records as Gotham rebuilds into a trophy-winning club under coach Juan Carlos Amorós. Kerr’s NWSL roots span Sky Blue, Western New York Flash and Chicago, and she cites Gotham’s growth and her wife Kristie Mewis’s input as key factors in her decision, with a likely debut at the Queens Classic at Citi Field.

Sam Kerr Returns to Gotham FC on 2030-Season Deal
sports1 month ago

Sam Kerr Returns to Gotham FC on 2030-Season Deal

Australian forward Sam Kerr signs with Gotham FC through the 2030 season, returning to the club after time with Sky Blue FC and a decorated spell at Chelsea; the free-agent deal will take effect in July pending international transfer clearance as Gotham aims to boost its trophy chances, with a limited-time $20 ticket offer to celebrate Kerr’s return.

Sky‑high NFL/NBA valuations draw buyers to smaller leagues like the NWSL
business3 months ago

Sky‑high NFL/NBA valuations draw buyers to smaller leagues like the NWSL

High prices for NFL and NBA teams, driven by massive media-rights deals, are pushing investors to cheaper, smaller leagues like the NWSL. Expansion fees for new NWSL teams have surged (Columbus at $205M, up from earlier multi‑million marks), while overall league valuations climb to record levels. Private‑equity groups and consortium buyers are chasing these “second‑tier” sports as a way to gain exposure, causing bidding wars even as some bankers warn the underlying economics may not support such prices. The trend is underscored by record MLB sales and the broader value surge across professional sports, with little payoff in some women's leagues like the WNBA/NWSL aligned with new player deals, raising questions about long‑term profitability.)

Haslams Secure $205M NWSL Expansion in Columbus for 2028 Debut
sports4 months ago

Haslams Secure $205M NWSL Expansion in Columbus for 2028 Debut

The National Women’s Soccer League approved an 18th team in Columbus, owned by Haslam Sports Group with the Edwards family and Nationwide, for a record $205 million expansion fee. The club will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and begin play in 2028, with a new practice facility and stadium upgrades funded in part by $50 million in public funding ($25 million each from Franklin County and Columbus). The Haslams’ investment also includes contributions to the NWSL Foundation.

Columbus lands NWSL expansion, targeting 2028 debut
sports4 months ago

Columbus lands NWSL expansion, targeting 2028 debut

Columbus was awarded the NWSL’s 18th franchise, set to debut in 2028 with home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The ownership group is led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam alongside Nationwide and other partners, and the city of Columbus and Franklin County will each contribute $25 million toward a new training facility and stadium upgrades, financed by bonds repaid with a 2% ticket tax; the team must stay in Columbus for 25 years or funds can be clawed back. The deal includes a reported $205 million expansion fee (a league record) and an expected $300+ million total investment. The franchise will be referred to as Columbus NWSL 2028 until fans help choose a final name, with $28 deposits for tickets available online; a last-minute amendment required identifying a replacement site for McCoy Park if needed.

Reign FC signs UVU standout Hladek to pro deal through June 2026
sports5 months ago

Reign FC signs UVU standout Hladek to pro deal through June 2026

Seattle Reign FC signed forward Ruby Hladek to a short-term contract through June 2026 after she joined preseason as a non-roster invitee. The Utah Valley product racked up 24 goals and 32 assists in 60 starts for UVU, helping the Wolverines win three straight WAC titles and finishing as UVU’s all-time assists leader; she had a breakout 2025 with 15 goals and 13 assists, earning WAC Offensive Player of the Year as she begins her professional career with the Reign.

Nike Unveils 2026 NWSL Kits Highlighting Club Roots and Community
sports5 months ago

Nike Unveils 2026 NWSL Kits Highlighting Club Roots and Community

Nike released new primary, secondary, and third kits for all 16 NWSL clubs for the 2026 season, with designs inspired by each club’s roots, neighborhoods, and history; expansion clubs Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC also rolled out inaugural secondary kits, and the regular season opens March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting Portland Thorns FC.