5 NWSL players have been with the same team all 11 seasons
Associated PressPortland was the only place Christine Sinclair ever wanted to play. When the National Women’s Soccer League launched in 2013, it was natural that Sinclair would gravitate to the Portland Thorns; she won a pair of NCAA titles at the University of Portland and she had a home in the Rose City. The first, the Women’s United Soccer Association, was founded after the U.S. women won the World Cup in 1999 and lasted just three seasons, from 2001-2003. And it was a real slow burner on that front and you look back now and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I cannot believe that this is where we were.’ But we’re where we are now because we started so cautiously and so carefully because of the history of all the other leagues that have been here.” While the league has steadily grown in its 11 seasons, there were periods of turbulence. Looking forward, the NWSL and its 12 teams have big seasons ahead, and the Women’s World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand should bring new interest to the league and its many international players.
History of this topic
NWSL reaches new collective bargaining agreement that adds more money for players, ends draft
Associated Press
NWSL agrees to sweeping new contract that is among the most pro-labor in women’s sports
LA Times
The NWSL kicks off its 12th season this weekend, with two new teams and a new media deal
Associated Press
NWSL commissioner on players getting ‘squeezed’ by calendar, World Cup momentum and more
New York TimesNWSL looking to add 16th team by 2026, commissioner says ahead of draft
Associated Press
NWSL Commissioner Baird resigns amid scandal
Associated PressDiscover Related
