The National Women's Soccer League's 11th regular season is set to commence this weekend, showcasing significant progress and growth in various aspects. Expansion interest and fees are on the rise, new media partnerships are enhancing accessibility, and clubs are breaking records with world-record transfer fees for players.
Despite the overall advancement of the NWSL, there remains a clear distinction between the league as a whole and individual clubs. The division between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' has been a longstanding feature of the league. However, the number of ambitious teams and owners within the NWSL has expanded over time, leading to a more competitive landscape.
Inspired by the late Grant Wahl's 'Ambition Rankings' for MLS teams, a similar approach has been adopted to assess the ambition levels of the 14 NWSL teams across various categories on and off the field. The categories include willingness to spend on players, stadium and training facilities, creativity and innovation, long-term vision for the club, staffing investment, and local media market relevance and attendance.
With the opening of CPKC Stadium, Kansas City Current has set a new standard by becoming the first NWSL team to have a stadium built specifically for them. The privately funded $120 million stadium and $18 million training complex demonstrate the club's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
Angel City, known for its celebrity minority investors and purpose-driven approach, has made significant investments in staffing and operations to establish itself as a major professional sports team. Despite scheduling challenges and training facility limitations, Angel City's innovative sponsorship model and long-term vision have earned them a top spot in the ambition rankings.
The Wave, with their impressive attendance figures and on-field success, have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the NWSL. Their strategic player acquisitions, strong local relevance, and growing merchandise appeal have contributed to their ambitious profile.
Washington Spirit, under the ownership of Michele Kang, has been described as having grand ambitions, with a track record of pursuing big initiatives. While their approach has yielded mixed results, the Spirit's commitment to ambitious endeavors is evident.
As the NWSL enters its 11th season, the landscape of ambition within the league continues to evolve, with teams like Kansas City Current, Angel City, The Wave, and Washington Spirit leading the charge in setting new standards and pushing boundaries in women's soccer.
