The NWSL schedule is finally here, with the league releasing the 2023 calendar on Wednesday. The announcement comes after players, fans and NWSL insiders alike voiced their dissatisfaction with the delayed schedule release. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman responded to the criticism Monday, admitting the 2023 docket’s publication “took too long,” adding, “Thank you for your passion and for holding us accountable. We will do better.”
Following a fair amount of commotion and social media uproar, the schedule is, at last, out—45 days ahead of the 2023 campaign’s kickoff. The 132-game, 22-week regular season features a 22-match balanced schedule, including a March 25 opening day that will see all 12 teams in action.
The 2023 slate will also involve the Challenge Cup, which will run concurrently with the regular season rather than front-loaded at the start of the schedule. The tournament, now in its fourth year, will commence on April 19 and conclude with the title match set for Sept. 9.
