The National Women’s Soccer League enters its 12th regular season this weekend, starting with an afternoon game in the midwest between Kansas City Current and the Portland Thorns. That marks the first match at CPKC Stadium, the NWSL’s first women’s soccer-specific venue, and the first purpose-built women’s sports stadium in the world. And that’s just one of a few exciting evolutions in the stateside game.
What’s new? This season starts with two new teams. The introduction of Bay FC and return of Utah Royals (back for the first time since 2020) brings the league total to 14.