The National Women’s Soccer League 2026 season is right around the corner, and it’s looking to be a promising and exciting season as the league continues to expand. As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day , it’s time to recognize the success and growth the NWSL has had in recent years.

Are the new expansion teams making this season exciting? Unexpected storylines? Or simply the growth of the game? Maybe it’s all of the above.

The 2026 season will kick off on Friday, March 13, 2026, with the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns facing off.

For the first time ever, the NWSL will have 16 teams competing. Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC are being welcomed into the league and are ready to make a splash.

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the reigning champions, Gotham FC, will be the first team to play against Boston Legacy in Massachusetts. Denver Summit FC will begin its first-ever season against Bay FC in California.

Wednesday, July 15, will feature a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship, Gotham FC and Washington Spirit. Gotham ended up taking home their second-ever NWSL trophy so the Spirit will be looking for payback.

The 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup will feature 2025 NWSL Champion Gotham FC and 2025 NWSL Shield winner Kansas City Current and take place on Friday, June 26, at 8 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio.

Another highlight of this upcoming season will be Rivalry Week, taking place from July 10-15. The week will feature exciting matchups and plenty of drama. The current schedule for it is as follows:

• July 10: Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current

• July 11: San Diego Wave FC vs. Angel City FC

• July 12: Seattle Reign FC vs. Portland Thorns FC

• July 15: Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit

In 2025, NWSL viewership was up 22%, along with record attendance across the league. With the addition of two more clubs and high-profile signings, those numbers are expected to rise even more. The NWSL plans to continue adding expansion teams in the coming years.  

The league has seen amazing financial growth over the years as teams have acquired newer facilities, such as training grounds and even stadiums. In the past, female sports teams would never have received that amount of funding.

With the planned expansion, the NWSL brings more opportunities to players around the world. The league continues to grow to new regions of the country, meaning younger female players will have greater opportunities to get close to an NWSL team, support their local team, and witness games in person.

With more teams being welcomed into the league, more funding and investments put into these teams, and the ability to consistently play competitive soccer, these players will inspire the younger generation and help them realize they can make their dreams come true.

The regular season will end on November 1, 2026, with the playoffs beginning soon after on November 6. The 2026 NWSL Championship will take place on November 21.