NWSL 2025 Season Kicks Off with Renewed Ambitions and Major Offseason Changes

Teams like Orlando Pride aim to defend their titles while others, including Houston Dash, rebuild with new leadership and acquisitions.

The 2025 NWSL season begins Friday, with Orlando Pride starting their campaign to defend both their NWSL Shield and Championship titles.
Houston Dash, under new coach Fabrice Gautrat, aim to recover from their last-place finish in 2024 with key signings like Yazmeen Ryan and Messiah Bright.
The Washington Spirit, last year’s runners-up, face early injury challenges but remain competitive with star players like Trinity Rodman returning to fitness.
A new collective bargaining agreement has reshaped the league, introducing unrestricted free agency and sparking significant player movement across teams.
Young talent, including players from the SheBelieves Cup, is expected to make an impact as the league continues to grow its competitive depth.