Key Highlights to Follow in Women’s Soccer as the NWSL Begins Its New Season: NPR/2025

The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season will start this Friday. The league has made headlines during the offseason with notable player transfers and a new collaboration with Call Her Daddy podcast host Alex Cooper.

The year 2024 was pivotal for the league, and there’s anticipation for 2025. To prepare, we explored five major questions that could influence the NWSL this season.

What version of the NWSL will fans see this year? 

In 2025, a crucial question arises: Will the NWSL maintain its reputation as a “chaos” league, characterized by unpredictable match outcomes?

This unpredictability is a key aspect of the league’s appeal, blending competitive balance with fast-paced, physical play. A prime illustration of this was evident at the conclusion of the 2022 season, when the bottom three teams, collectively holding 12 wins, went on to claim the 2023 championship (Gotham FC), followed by the 2024 championship (Orlando Pride), and the 2025 Challenge Cup (Washington Spirit).

What sparked this transformation? An influx of NCAA talent played a significant role: In 2023, Gotham drafted the adaptable Jenna Nighswonger, while Orlando selected Emily Sams, who quickly made her mark as a top defender. The 2024 draft for Washington also proved fruitful, bringing in Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt, both of whom represented the national team at the Paris Olympics.

However, the NWSL has recently abolished the draft, shifting the emphasis toward teams’ capacity to attract and recruit exceptional talent, whether from local or international sources.

Orlando has demonstrated its success in this area, acquiring Zambian forward Barbra Banda from the Chinese Women’s Super League last season. Banda was named MVP of the finals. Similarly, after the Kansas City Current recruited Malawian striker Temwa Chaŵinga last year, she electrified the league by scoring a record 21 goals.

The transformative nature of last season inspired an Amazon Prime documentary titled For The Win, which profiles the league’s top players.

In 2025, will we witness a continued influx of international players at the peak of their careers opting to play in the United States? How will the NWSL’s advantages — such as its significant growth, competitive balance, and advancing players’ rights — measure against premier leagues in France, Spain, and England, where competition (and financial resources) are typically hierarchical with a few dominant clubs?

The answer to these questions may hinge on how the NWSL navigates the absence of high-profile stars like Alex Morgan (retired) and Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith), who recently announced her pregnancy.

Where is your favorite player?

As is customary in any offseason, numerous player movements have reshaped the league. The most notable was Naomi Girma’s groundbreaking million-dollar transfer to Chelsea FC in the Women’s Super League in England. The San Diego Wave not only lost Girma but also Morgan and traded Jaedyn Shaw to the North Carolina Courage. At just 20 years old, Shaw is rapidly gaining recognition within the U.S. national team.

Despite having the best record in the league in 2023, San Diego missed the playoffs in 2024 and faces a considerable rebuilding phase.

North Carolina also experienced a significant loss: 2023 league MVP and Brazilian forward Kerolin Nicoli Israel Ferraz has moved to Manchester City. Meanwhile, NJ/NY Gotham FC lost another player to England’s WSL: Jenna Nighswonger, the USWNT left back, signed with Arsenal, while Crystal Dunn departed for Paris Saint-Germain.

However, many fan favorites remain. Trinity Rodman continues with Washington despite dealing with an injury, Marta has re-signed with the Pride, and Christen Press has renewed with Angel City in Los Angeles. Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Lynn Williams), the league’s all-time leading scorer, has left Gotham to join Seattle Reign through 2027.

The league is in transition. Who will lead the next generation?

A number of prominent players have retired in recent years. Figures like Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Megan Rapinoe have been iconic not only for their on-field achievements but also for advocating for gender equity and elevating women’s soccer to new heights.

Their absence will be felt, particularly on the national team. Nonetheless, a talented cohort of players is emerging to demonstrate that the league is poised for a bright future.

Keep an eye on forward Ally Sentnor from the Utah Royals. At just 21 years old, Sentnor made a notable debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team during the SheBelieves Cup, scoring two goals in three games and showcasing her impressive skills.

Another player to watch is Yazmeen Ryan, 26, who has just joined the Houston Dash. After a tough season where the Dash finished last, fans are excited to see how she complements 23-year-old striker Diana Ordóñez, who plays for the Mexican national team.

Other notable players to watch include Defender of the Year Emily Sams from the Orlando Pride; 2024 MVP Temwa Chaŵinga of the Current; and her teammate, defensive midfielder Claire Hutton. Additionally, Washington is counting on Croix Bethune, who tied the league’s season assist record in her rookie year, to recover strongly from a knee injury.

For many of the players mentioned, the year 2025 presents an opportunity to prove to national team coach Emma Hayes that they deserve a spot on the roster for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This season offers a chance for players to focus on their club success, as there are no Olympics or World Cups scheduled.

What will the San Diego Wave look like after Alex Morgan?

San Diego faced significant changes with Girma’s transfer. Shaw, last season’s leading scorer, was traded to North Carolina, and the legendary Alex Morgan announced her retirement mid-year last season due to her second pregnancy. If there’s a team that symbolizes the league’s transition, it’s San Diego, recently led by former Arsenal Women coach Jonas Eidevall.

While the Wave faces enormous challenges ahead, they remain an intriguing team to monitor this season. The front office has brought in key players from France over the past two seasons — Kenza Dali, Delphine Cascarino, and Perle Morroni — and acquired María Sánchez in a mid-season trade last year.

Sánchez is considered one of the most promising young talents on the Mexican national team, having signed a landmark contract in Houston in 2023 before transferring to San Diego. She has the potential to be an MVP contender if she can help lead the team back to the top of the league standings.

Are we on Trinity Rodman transfer watch?

The short answer is no. Trinity Rodman has emerged as a prominent figure for the USWNT, the league, and the Washington Spirit since earning NWSL Rookie of the Year distinctions in 2021. She is recognized as one of the top attacking players globally, leading many to speculate whether she might pursue opportunities abroad, akin to Naomi Girma.

Rodman informed ESPN this week that she has contemplated playing overseas, stating it’s “just a matter of when.” Currently, she is under contract with the Spirit until this season’s conclusion. Her historic $1.1 million contract with the Spirit, set in 2022, also raises expectations for her potential salary and transfer fee if she opts to join another team.