The NWSL Is Back: Here’s the Skimm on 2026

The NWSL Is Back: Here’s the Skimm on 2026

Don’t call it a comeback — except do, because we couldn’t be more excited: For the second year running, theSkimm is an official media partner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). 

It’s easy to understand why. These incredible athletes — incredible women — blow us away. Their skill, teamwork, passion, willingness to speak up, and overall love of the game are visible on and off the field. 

And this season, we’re bringing you even closer to the action. Let’s take a look at where we are and what to expect as we head into the 2026 season.

What Defined 2025 

The 13th NWSL season delivered plenty of history-making moments.The 8th seed Gotham FC won the championship match against the Washington Spirit — earning their second title in three years. The game-clinching goal came from Rose Lavelle. She was named game MVP, naturally.

A record-breaking number of people saw it live, too. The match — played in front of a sold-out crowd — was the most-watched in the league’s history. 

Of course, that wasn’t the only major record broken. Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current scored her second straight league MVP — another first. 

And Lauren Barnes of the Seattle Reign — one of the league’s original players — shattered some serious stats, including leading the league in regular-season games played with 250. She retired at the end of the season. Like a boss. 

A Wild Off-Season 

Things didn’t slow down just because the season ended. 

First up: The “Rodman Rule,” officially called the High Impact Player (HIP) Rule — was created in December. It lets teams go up to $1 million over the salary cap to sign or keep star players.

While some will stay put, like Trinity Rodman — whose initial contract negotiations paved the way for the HIP Rule — and Midge Purce, who’ll stick with Gotham FC for at least another year, others made some big moves. Midfielder Croix Bethune is headed to the Kansas City Current on a big $1 million transfer, and Claire Hutton, left KC for Bay FC with a record-making $1.1 million transfer.

2026: More Teams, Bigger Records, Lots of Babies 

Here’s what we’re looking forward to: 

On the pitch: Two new teams are entering the chat — Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, bringing the league up to 16. Gotham will look to defend its title. But the Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit are coming in hot. 

Rodman is on track to become the youngest player in league history to play 100 games. If all goes according to plan, it’ll happen when she’s just 23. Casual. And Debinha, with Kansas City, only needs four more goals to break the league’s scoring record. 

Off the pitch: There have been 12 sisters to play in the league, including the newest pair, Mimi Van Zanten, who just signed with San Diego, and Kiki Van Zanten with Houston. 

And plenty of babies: There are 25 new moms and moms-to-be, including two members of the “Triple Espresso” crew: Sophia Wilson had her daughter in September 2025, and Mallory Swanson had hers in November 2025. All three — including Rodman — will be back on the field this season. 

For the fans: Thanks to a deal with Victory+, you'll be able to watch more games than ever — for free — this year. (Here’s how.) And there’s new merch, too, including 16 new jersey kits and new playing cards. 

From us: We’ll bring all of the action — from player interviews to behind-the-scenes moments — straight to your inbox, on the Well Played vodcast, and on our @WellPlayedbytheSkimm Instagram. Let the games begin.