Source: Fortune
Summary
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced its 2027 calendar, which will start in February and include a two-month break for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The league, which has grown significantly in the past decade, expects 138 players to join national teams for the tournament. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said the schedule was designed to position the league at the center of the biggest year in women’s soccer. The league faces logistical challenges, including cold weather in some markets and player health concerns. The NWSL’s average attendance increased 10% in 2026, and its social media following grew 24% year-over-year.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
NWSL pushes start date to February, creates shortest offseason in history.
138 players will miss regular season for World Cup, creating a midseason break.
Players and unions raise concerns about cold weather and scheduling conflicts.
League bets on future growth, even as current profits are possible.
Author: Evan Null
How the NWSL is meeting the moment
The NWSL is adjusting its schedule to align with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting the 2027 season in February and ending in October. This creates the shortest offseason in the league’s history, with the 2026 championship ending in late November. The league’s decision to shift to a winter schedule has raised concerns among players, particularly those in colder markets like Chicago, Denver, and Boston. Some players have expressed worries about the feasibility of playing in cold weather and the lack of backup plans for snowed-out games.
The NWSL’s schedule change is not without precedent. The MLS is also adjusting its calendar to better align with international tournaments. The NWSL’s COO, Sarah Jones Simmer, said the league has enough geographic diversity to handle the early start, citing warm-weather markets that can accommodate games in February. However, the league’s player’s association previously opposed a similar calendar shift, citing concerns about weather and player health.
The NWSL is also preparing for the health risks associated with a packed schedule. A 2025 study found that the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in winter, led to increased injury rates in European leagues. The NWSL’s collective bargaining agreement mandates an offseason, and the league has added policies to protect players, such as hydration breaks during hot-weather games. Despite these measures, the league’s decision to play in February remains controversial.
The NWSL’s strategy is to capitalize on the momentum generated by the World Cup, with players returning to the league after the tournament. The league’s growth has been significant, with average attendance up 10% in 2026 and social media followers increasing 24% year-over-year. The NWSL’s commissioner, Jessica Berman, said the league is positioning itself to benefit from the global attention generated by the World Cup and other international events.
The NWSL is also looking ahead to future tournaments, including the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 FIFA World Cup. The league’s business model is built on the expectation that these events will bring more revenue and exposure. While some teams are already profitable, the league has chosen to prioritize growth over immediate profits, with owners investing in the long-term potential of the sport.
The high stakes of women’s soccer
The NWSL’s decision to adjust its schedule is part of a broader trend in women’s soccer, where international events are increasingly shaping the business model of professional leagues. The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, held in the U.S., brought increased interest in soccer, with MLS teams reporting a 150% increase in ticket sales. However, television ratings remained flat, suggesting that the sport is still in the process of gaining broader popularity in the U.S.
The NWSL has positioned itself to benefit from the growing global interest in women’s soccer. The league’s 2027 calendar is designed to align with the Women’s World Cup, with the hope that the tournament will generate more fans and revenue. The league’s commissioner, Jessica Berman, said the NWSL is not focused on short-term profits but on long-term growth, with owners investing in the future of the sport.
The NWSL’s financial growth has been significant, with the average team value increasing by 77% since 2024. The league’s total value has grown to $2.6 billion, reflecting the increasing interest and investment in women’s soccer. The league’s success is also tied to the performance of its players on the international stage, with the hope that World Cup success will translate into greater fan engagement and commercial opportunities.
The NWSL’s strategy is not without risks. The league is facing logistical challenges, including cold weather and player health concerns. The decision to start the season in February has drawn criticism from players and unions, who worry about the impact on their performance and well-being. Despite these concerns, the league remains committed to its schedule, believing that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.
The NWSL’s approach reflects the broader ambitions of women’s soccer in the U.S. As the sport continues to grow, the league is positioning itself to take advantage of future international events, with the hope that these opportunities will drive further expansion and investment. The success of the NWSL will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on the growing global interest in women’s soccer.
