SKINNY ON THE NWSL

The NWSL is a 10-team league that will enter its fifth season this year. It is already the longest-running women’s soccer pro league in North American history, following the failure of WPS and WUSA.

Crucially, both U.S. Soccer and Canada Soccer provide financial backing by paying the salaries of national team players, which has allowed owners to offset costs and allowed the league to grow. The season is 20 games long over seven months, from April to October.

Last year’s champions were the Western New York Flash, who beat the Washington Spirit 3-2 on penalties.