NWSL Sees Record Growth At Midseason As International Talent Returns

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 10: Ann-Katrin Berger #30 of NJ/NY Gotham FC jumps and stops the shot on goal in the first half of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Playoff match against Portland Thorns FC at Red Bull Arena on November 10, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)

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The second half of the 2025 NWSL season begins this weekend with clubs preparing for a push toward the playoffs, and top international players rejoining their teams after a busy summer of global competition.

Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), and Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride) return as UEFA Women’s Euro champions with England. Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC) also returns following a strong performance with Germany. Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC) and Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash) are back as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners, having helped Nigeria secure a record tenth title.

Several key NWSL players are currently gearing up for the Copa América Femenina final this Saturday, August 2nd, and will return to their clubs after the final. Representing Brazil are Marta (Orlando Pride) and Gabi Portilho (Gotham FC). Colombia features Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit) and Daniela Arias (San Diego Wave FC).

NWSL Week 14 Matches

Friday, August 1

Racing Louisville FC vs. Kansas City Current – 8 PM ET (Prime Video)
Chicago Stars vs. Gotham FC – 8 PM ET (NWSL+)
Seattle Reign FC vs. Angel City FC – 10:30 PM ET (NWSL+, Paramount+)

Saturday, August 2

North Carolina Courage vs. San Diego Wave FC – 7:30 PM ET (ION)
Bay FC vs. Houston Dash – 10 PM ET (ION)

Sunday, August 3

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC – 12:30 PM ET (ABC, ESPN+)
Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals FC – 3 PM ET (NWSL+, Paramount+)

NWSL Audience And Digital Expansion

At the season’s midpoint, the NWSL has released updated performance and engagement data that points to continued league growth. Over 1.2 billion total live match minutes have been viewed so far this season, with a 34 percent increase in average live streams year-over-year. Social media growth has followed suit, with the league seeing a 37 percent rise in total followers and a 445 percent surge in new TikTok followers, evidence of rising interest among younger audiences.

Audience & Engagement Growth

• 1.2 billion total live match minutes viewed
• 34% year-over-year increase in average live streams
• 37% growth in NWSL social channel followers
• 445% increase in new TikTok followers

NWSL’s Growing Influence In Global Women’s Soccer

The NWSL’s global profile has also expanded. This summer, 19 NWSL players competed at the UEFA Women’s Euro, tripling the league’s representation from 2022. Eleven players featured in Copa América Femenina, also three times the number from the last edition, while nine players participated in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, doubling the 2022 total. In total, 13 NWSL clubs had players represented across 19 countries, with league athletes contributing 24 goals and 12 assists in international play.

Global Player Impact at Summer Tournaments

• 19 NWSL players represented at UEFA Women’s Euro – 3x more than in 2022
• 11 players featured in Copa América Femenina – 3x the number from 2022
• 9 players competed in WAFCON – double the 2022 figure

NWSL Players Across all international play:

• 13 active NWSL clubs represented
• 19 countries featured NWSL talent
• 24 goals scored by NWSL players (up from 8 in 2022)
• 12 assists recorded in 2025 (up from just 2 in 2022)