NWSL set for earliest ever start next season to accomodate World Cup

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is set to kick off its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, marking the earliest start in league history. This timing is strategically aligned with the Super Bowl, occurring three days later in nearby Inglewood.

This season will feature a full 30-game schedule, despite an unprecedented seven-week break during the Women’s World Cup. Angel City FC is slated to host the season opener at BMO Stadium. The NWSL typically starts its season in March, with the previous earliest match being on March 7, 2025, when the Orlando Pride faced the Washington Spirit.

Strategic Scheduling

Carlin Hudson, the NWSL’s vice president of strategy, emphasized the importance of integrating their schedule with major events like the Super Bowl. “We want to be part of the conversation and not separate the sports world,” she explained. This year’s NWSL Challenge Cup will take place on February 6, pitting the 2026 NWSL Shield winner against the Championship winner at a neutral venue with a milder climate.

The regular season is set to conclude on October 31, followed by the playoffs and an NWSL Championship on November 20. The compact timeline indicates a brief offseason, with teams commencing preseason training between January 2 and January 7, just six weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 NWSL Championship.

Challenges Ahead

Weather and venue availability pose challenges, especially for teams located in colder markets. Hudson added that the league must schedule around these weather conditions to ensure fair play. As the NWSL’s calendar evolves, discussions about changing the season’s structure have been ongoing, though the league committed to its current calendar through at least 2030.

With an anticipated expansion to 18 teams in 2028, the NWSL is adapting to both domestic and international schedules. The implementation of the new FIFA World Cup 2026 international calendar complicates scheduling as well, with additional commitments to broadcast partners adding further complexity. Hudson remains optimistic about releasing a complete season schedule in December while acknowledging the likelihood of adjustments.

FAQs

When does the NWSL 2027 season start?

The NWSL 2027 season starts on February 11, 2027, in Los Angeles.

Why is the season starting early?

The early start accommodates a full schedule while allowing for a seven-week break during the Women’s World Cup.