NWSL History
The National Women's Soccer League was founded in 2012 as the third attempt at a
sustained top-tier women's professional soccer league in the United States, following
the collapse of WUSA in 2003 and WPS in 2012. Built on a foundational partnership with
US Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Mexican federation, the NWSL became the first women's
league in the world to survive a World Cup cycle.
Key Eras
- 2012–2013: A League Born from Ambition
- 2013–2015: The Inaugural Era & Portland's Dynasty
- 2015–2019: National Team Stars & League Growth
- 2020–2021: The Challenge Cup & Pandemic Season
- 2022–present: The Expansion Era