How the NWSL Killed the NWSL

If you clicked on the link, I assume you know what the NWSL is, but if you don't, it's the National Women's Soccer League.

The NWSL is in real trouble.

First of all, the NWSL doesn't have a long and storied history. it's technically the 4th pro women's soccer league IN AMERICA since 2000:

WUSA: 2000-2003

WPS: 2009-2012

NWSL: 20212-current

USL Super League: 2024-current

Why is IN AMERICA in bold?

Let me tell you a short story.

I always thought that the NWSL was an independent entity. We were shocked to learn earlier in the week that there were certain tethers in contracting between the USWNT (United States Women's National Team) and the NWSL that ensured the league's survival.

But in 2021, a scandal rocked the NSWL that found that "emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the sport." Since then, the players have fought hard for 'freedom of movement.'

That freedom of movement included the elimination of the NWSL Draft in the year 2024. I was, again, stunned. In any sport, the worst teams get the best players. The Draft ensures that bad teams have hope in the future. If there's no hope for bad teams, what do they sell their fans?

So I wrote, in 2024, that by the year 2028, that the NWSL would either collapse or have to scrape and rebuild their business model. The money quote? "By abolishing the Draft, the NWSL has stated, on the record, that the player is more important than the league."

In all American sports, the league is more important than the player or the team. You know where the club is more important than the league? In European Soccer.

And, lo and behold, now that American players have freedom of movement, they are bolting to Europe in record numbers. The USWNT loosened its association with the NWSL, now its best players are heading overseas.

Can the NWSL survive both American (USL) and European competition on the open market?

No, it can't.

I'm now not even sure that the NWSL can survive to 2028.

2025 Standings (14th place not shown: Chicago Stars 3-11-12)

The NWSL claims that women's soccer in America has never been stronger because franchise worth has never been higher.

2024 Standings (14th Place not shown: Houston Dash 5-5-16)

I would argue that with 3 of the top 4 regular season teams being the same, you already have a top heavy league. In Europe, bad teams are relegated. In America, bad teams fold, which dominoes into your league folding if the bad teams never change.

Now your argument could be that I'm just a dumb blogger, I'll listen to that argument. What does AI have to say about the NWSL?

"No, the NWSL is not expected to fold; instead, the league is expanding and seeing significant investor interest. It is currently growing from 14 teams to 16 for the 2026 season and has even filed to launch a second division for player development, which points toward a positive future rather than a fold.... The league has taken steps to ensure a strong future by filing to launch a second division, which would serve as a developmental league for NWSL-affiliated teams. This shows a commitment to long-term player development and league infrastructure."

Ah, Fred Hunt vs. AI on the topic of the NWSL. Who do you think will be right?

Since it's my blog, I get in the last word. The NWSL is going with the Hockey or Baseball Model, where there's a minor league feeder system instead of the promotion/relegation system. The NWSL doesn't have enough money to support a minor league like the NHL or MLB does. The NWSL doesn't want the European Mode of soccer, but thinks it can be a semi-progressive entity in America? If it's no longer subsidized by the USWNT, how does it subside a minor league? I stand by my original prediction, no more NWSL by 2028.

Major League Soccer still has a draft and relies on Youth Academies. The NWSL's current leader, the Kansas City Current, just last week announced their Teal Rising Alliance. What the heck is that? "The Teal Rising Alliance brings together a community of clubs to build a pipeline to the KC Current environment and creates a generational shift in the country’s soccer landscape for players and coaches. This serves as another symbol of the Current’s long-term commitment to player development, performance excellence and becoming the preeminent women’s football club in the world."

Uh, that's not a Youth Academy. That's basically Poachers Rights for the Kansas City Area.

But you know what? I'm not smarter than the collective hive, I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Are you dialed in to the NWSL Playoffs, starting next week?

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