NWSL 2025: A Season Primed for Drama
The National Women’s Soccer League is poised to launch its 13th regular season, building on the momentum of a captivating 2024 campaign. While the playoffs remain several months away, the NWSL’s renowned competitiveness, where every team poses a legitimate threat, ensures that there’s no room for complacency. Last season demonstrated this perfectly: the Orlando Pride enjoyed a stellar regular season, yet faced intense pressure from the Washington Spirit, Kansas City Current, and NJ/NY Gotham FC. The fight for the final playoff berths was equally fierce, even decided by tiebreakers in previous years. This highlights the critical importance of games played early in the season, during March and April. A widespread distribution of elite talent across the league means that even teams projected to struggle can boast U.S. women’s national team and international stars. Simply put, there are no easy weeks in the NWSL.
Here’s a look at some of the key early matches to mark on your calendar as the 2025 NWSL season unfolds:
Must-Watch Matchups to Kick Off 2025
Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Stars (Prime Video)
The NWSL doesn’t delay in presenting an intriguing opening day clash. The defending champion Orlando Pride hosts a Chicago team formally debuting under a new name after a decade as the Red Stars. Orlando’s magical 2024 season was fueled by world-class striker Barbra Banda and legendary playmaker Marta. However, the Pride’s true strength lies in their defensive prowess, stifling opponents and dictating the game’s tempo. After securing their first championship, the Pride will be eager to prove that their success wasn’t a one-off.
For the Stars, a return to the postseason in 2024 following a period of rebuilding marked significant progress. However, with USWNT attacker Mallory Swanson sidelined due to personal reasons and injuries impacting key defenders Sam Staab and Natalia Kuikka, head coach Lorne Donaldson faces early challenges. Frustrating Orlando would provide a substantial morale boost, potentially requiring goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to deliver a standout performance.
Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave FC (ESPN+)
This regional rivalry features two of the NWSL’s most passionate fan bases, presenting an early test of each club’s progress following disappointing 2024 seasons. Angel City appointed veteran NWSL coach Mark Parsons as general manager in January, but the head coaching search remains ongoing, likely concluding this summer. Veteran forwards Christen Press and Sydney Leroux will be crucial, along with sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson.
San Diego hired former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, but faces significant hurdles after USWNT players Naomi Girma and Jaedyn Shaw departed during the offseason. Coupled with Alex Morgan’s retirement last September and lingering allegations against front-office personnel, the Wave desperately need Delphine Cascarino and María Sánchez to spearhead a positive start to 2025.
Washington Spirit vs. Kansas City Current (Fubo)
This early-season meeting at Audi Field has all the hallmarks of a potential championship preview, pitting two of the NWSL’s most ambitious and talented clubs against each other. The Spirit may have limited minutes from USWNT star Trinity Rodman, and questions linger over starting attackers Croix Bethune (the 2024 Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year) and Ouleymata Sarr. Yet, despite 11 players missing the Challenge Cup due to injuries, Washington defeated Orlando in penalties, underscoring the depth of head coach Jonatan Giráldez’s squad.
The Current aim to prove that their 2024 semifinal exit—despite statistically dominating the NWSL—was simply unlucky, rather than indicative of their limitations. Former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski may face defensive questions, but with reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga leading a potent attack, expect an explosive game.
Utah Royals FC vs. Portland Thorns FC (Prime Video)
This matchup could serve as a crucial barometer for two teams seemingly moving in opposite directions. Utah missed the playoffs in their expansion season, but summer additions like Japanese striker Mina Tanaka have offered USWNT prospect Ally Sentnor much-needed support after a dismal start to 2024. A busy winter transfer window could propel the Royals forward.
The Thorns, meanwhile, are searching for answers. Key veterans Christine Sinclair and Becky Sauerbrunn retired during the offseason, and USWNT striker Sophia Wilson will miss the season due to pregnancy. Defensive issues plagued Portland throughout 2024, and preseason injuries have further depleted the squad. Consequently, there’s a growing suspicion that the Thorns might miss the postseason for the first time in a decade.
Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage (Paramount+)
Few NWSL teams are as defined by a specific style of play as Gotham and the Courage. The Bats are known for their relentless high-pressing system when not in possession, while North Carolina emphasizes disrupting opponents through possession-based play and intelligent movement.
This is a classic "styles make fights" scenario. Shaw’s move from San Diego to North Carolina could be a game-changer, while Gotham will be seeking players to step up after Crystal Dunn and Yazmeen Ryan both departed during the winter.
Watching the NWSL in 2025
The NWSL is widely accessible across numerous platforms in 2025. Prime Video will broadcast a weekly match on Friday nights, while the Ion Network will feature Saturday night doubleheaders throughout the season. CBS and CBS Sports Network will also carry games (with streams on Paramount+), as will the ABC/ESPN family of networks (with ESPN+ as the streaming platform).
The 2025 NWSL season promises to be another enthralling chapter in the league’s history, brimming with talent, competition, and drama. Don’t miss a moment of the action.
