Recapping the 2025 Offseason

Three and a half months ago, the 2024 NWSL season wrapped. We’ve been fairly quiet around here since then - because, honestly, we needed a break too!

Now that the 2025 season has kicked off, I figured we should probably catch you guys up on what’s been happening around the league over the past few months. (We’re not going to list EVERYTHING here, just the highlights. If you want to go see all the NWSL news, head over to the league’s website.)

1. In her final year with the U.S. Women’s National Team, Chicago Stars FC goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. (NWSL News) ​​

2. Denver was announced as the 16th franchise of the NWSL, set to begin play in 2026. (NWSLines News) Denver also went on to shatter records as the fastest expansion franchise in league history. In just three days, Denver secured 5,280 season ticket deposits. (NWSL News)

3. A new four-part docuseries is now streaming on Amazon Prime. For the Win: NWSL gives access to the teams and players in the playoffs and NWSL Championship game. (NWSLines News)

4. The NWSL entered into an agreement with the Attorneys General of Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C. to establish a Players’ Restitution Fund. The fund is designed to provide financial compensation to current and former NWSL players who have experienced serious misconduct while in the league. (NWSL News)

5. The NWSL and Overtime are partnering on a content-based effort, giving Overtime’s social media followers access to game highlights, behind-the-scenes access to players and more. (NWSL News)

6. Nike and the NWSL revealed the new 2025 kits. You can also get your own on the NWSL site. (NWSLines News)

7. The NWSL also teamed up with Unwell, a platform designed to amplify the new generations of unique voices. The partnership kicked off at the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup in Orlando. (NWSL News)

8. The NWSL put together a great list of players who found new homes ahead of the 2025 season. (NWSL News)

9. The NWSL has a new sponsor, the first in the beauty arena. E.l.f. Cosmetics is now the Official Makeup and Skin Care Partner of the NWSL. (NWSL News)

10. Roku is highlighting NWSL through the NWSL Zone. The NWSL Zone will showcase live and upcoming games, popular programming and more. It’s Roku’s first women’s league-branded zone. (NWSL News)

11. The NWSL is looking for ways to protect players from online abuse. (NPR News)

12. Boston’s 2026 NWSL franchise is officially changing its name after national backlash. (ESPN News)

And if you want a few more, check out NPR’s post previewing the season.