NWSL Notes
@nwslnotes.bsky.social
I post #Nwsl Attendance + #USLSuperLeague. data from league website or club websites. Not affiliated with the nwsl or USL. Just a follower that tracks numbers. Opinions are my own
Your captain and your MVP leaving for free. I just don’t get it. There’s no justification for letting two key players walk for no transfer fees.
The San Diego Wave have mutually terminated the contract of winger Delphine Cascarino amid a recent L’Equipe report that she's joining London City. No transfer fee for a 2025 #NWSL MVP finalist. 🤔
"Due to personal considerations, the next step in my career needs to be closer to home at this time."
"Due to personal considerations, the next step in my career needs to be closer to home at this time."
January 19, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Your captain and your MVP leaving for free. I just don’t get it. There’s no justification for letting two key players walk for no transfer fees.
No transfer fee for your mvp? Are nwsl teams okay?
San Diego Wave announced today they have mutually agreed to part ways with star forward Delphine Cascarino. She was an NWSL MVP finalist in 2025, and is the fourth Wave starter to leave in the offseason.
www.allforxi.com/nwsl/12622/s...
www.allforxi.com/nwsl/12622/s...
San Diego Wave and Delphine Cascarino mutually agree to part ways
Cascarino was an NWSL MVP finalist in 2025, and was under contract with the Wave through 2026
www.allforxi.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:01 AM
No transfer fee for your mvp? Are nwsl teams okay?
The Spirits international slot situation is something. Maybe Carter works to get some of them green cards or there’s more transfers and loans
ABC, a local Paraguayan media outlet, is reporting that 18-year-old Claudia Martínez—the breakout young talent in last summer's Copa América Feminina—is on the move to the Washington Spirit.
Fútbol femenino: Claudia Martínez lleva su clase a Estados Unidos - Fútbol - ABC Color
La juvenil delantera de Olimpia Claudia Martínez Ovando (18 años) llevará su fútbol a la National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), en una transferencia histórica para nuestro balompié.
www.abc.com.py
January 18, 2026 at 2:38 AM
The Spirits international slot situation is something. Maybe Carter works to get some of them green cards or there’s more transfers and loans
Did they take a really long vacation? It’s been over 50 days.
They are lucky they have one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the league. Sarah Lowdon could easily be a head coach. The thorns FO needs to get it together. The thorns used to be one of the elite teams.
They are lucky they have one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the league. Sarah Lowdon could easily be a head coach. The thorns FO needs to get it together. The thorns used to be one of the elite teams.
Portland Thorns don't have a head coach to start preseason.
Club spox: “We are taking a thoughtful and intentional approach to our head coach search. This is an important decision for the club and we are committed to conducting a thorough process that aligns with our values and long term vision.”
Club spox: “We are taking a thoughtful and intentional approach to our head coach search. This is an important decision for the club and we are committed to conducting a thorough process that aligns with our values and long term vision.”
January 17, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Did they take a really long vacation? It’s been over 50 days.
They are lucky they have one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the league. Sarah Lowdon could easily be a head coach. The thorns FO needs to get it together. The thorns used to be one of the elite teams.
They are lucky they have one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the league. Sarah Lowdon could easily be a head coach. The thorns FO needs to get it together. The thorns used to be one of the elite teams.
Imagine what this league could become if the owners were less fearful
I love that all of this pearl clutching over the draft and how only the top teams will sign the top players has been so quickly disproven.
When Racing Louisville have found so much production out of college signings and both Houston and Chicago are signing rookie of the year candidates.
When Racing Louisville have found so much production out of college signings and both Houston and Chicago are signing rookie of the year candidates.
January 16, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Imagine what this league could become if the owners were less fearful
Amazing for Chicago
Chicago Stars FC and defender, Elise Evans, have agreed to terms on a three-year contract through the 2028 NWSL season.
Evans arrives in the Windy City from Stanford University where she started in every one of her 85 appearances for Stanford, accumulating 12 goals and 7 assists
Evans arrives in the Windy City from Stanford University where she started in every one of her 85 appearances for Stanford, accumulating 12 goals and 7 assists
January 16, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Amazing for Chicago
How do you even tell a potential new fan how to watch games? Too many platforms. And the nwsl doesn’t even have a functional website. Yesterday the entire schedule wasn’t even available.
Visual 6: Broadcasters of games, by team. Note that each team's sum adds up to 29 since Decision Day broadcasting is still TBD.
January 16, 2026 at 3:29 PM
How do you even tell a potential new fan how to watch games? Too many platforms. And the nwsl doesn’t even have a functional website. Yesterday the entire schedule wasn’t even available.
This is great.
Source: Denver Summit FC have sold ~40,000 tickets for "The Kickoff" at Mile High on March 28 against Washington Spirit. The NWSL attendance record is 40,091, Bay FC vs the Spirit August 23, 2025.
January 16, 2026 at 4:35 AM
This is great.
I hope season ticket holders get refunds for these games.
Sources tell The Equalizer that Seattle Reign FC will play its first three home games in Spokane, Washington, at ONE Spokane Stadium. The Reign announced earlier today that select home matches during the 2026 #NWSL season would be played there.
📰 equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
📰 equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
January 14, 2026 at 10:11 PM
I hope season ticket holders get refunds for these games.
A true leader.
Becky Sauerbrunn on Instagram, “I’m choosing to release this video today, January 13th, because right now the US Supreme Court is deliberating a case that could change the future of women’s sport.”
An important video:
An important video:
January 13, 2026 at 9:22 PM
A true leader.
Really awesome to see this. There will be teams in some NWSL cities
NEWS: Athletes Unlimited Softball (AUSL) is expanding and will be based in six cities this season.
One of them is in Durham, N.C., where the Carolina Blaze will play at Duke.
For USA Today, I talked to Kim Ng about the league's growth:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
One of them is in Durham, N.C., where the Carolina Blaze will play at Duke.
For USA Today, I talked to Kim Ng about the league's growth:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Why is pro softball's AUSL expanding to 6 cities? Commissioner explains
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League will expand to six host cities in its second season. Commissioner Kim Ng explains why 2026 is the right time.
www.usatoday.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Really awesome to see this. There will be teams in some NWSL cities
There had been rumors. 7 games they played together. Now Ludmila moves on to the SD Wave. Chicago what are you doing?
How many games did Mal play with Ludmila? It couldn’t have been that many. Interested to see Chicago’s next moves to strengthen the squad. They still have some roster spots
January 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
There had been rumors. 7 games they played together. Now Ludmila moves on to the SD Wave. Chicago what are you doing?
Good Hire
The Orlando Pride has named Caitlin Carducci as its new VP of Soccer Operations & General Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience across U.S. Soccer and the NWSL.
Carducci arrives in Orlando after spending two seasons with Kansas City, where she most recently served as the club’s GM
Carducci arrives in Orlando after spending two seasons with Kansas City, where she most recently served as the club’s GM
January 13, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Good Hire
It’s probably a bit of both.
central to the uswnt midfield, nwsl champion, nwsl mvp finalist, gold medalist, 27-years-old, two years remaining on her contract. truly can’t tell whether nwsl clubs are genuinely unprepared for doing business in a global market or if they’re devaluing their own talent to stall its growth.
Multiple sources tell me and @emilyskeogh.bsky.social that the final *base* transfer fee for Coffey from Manchester City to the Portland Thorns is $875,000, plus potential performance add-ons in the future. #NWSL #USWNT
January 13, 2026 at 1:06 AM
It’s probably a bit of both.
Reposted by NWSL Notes
It is *something* that Heaps, a starter at Lyonnes, opted to return, but...
1. As @838carlisle.bsky.social said, NWSL is losing stars before/in their prime. Heaps doesn't address that.
2. A return home. It's fortunate for NWSL that Heaps is from Denver, not Albuquerque or Minneapolis or elsewhere.
1. As @838carlisle.bsky.social said, NWSL is losing stars before/in their prime. Heaps doesn't address that.
2. A return home. It's fortunate for NWSL that Heaps is from Denver, not Albuquerque or Minneapolis or elsewhere.
Amid a series of high-profile departures from the NWSL, Lindsey Heaps' return inspires some hope for the league.
@thedanlauletta.bsky.social on the welcome news for a growing, yet restricted NWSL:
equalizersoccer.com/2026/01/12/h...
@thedanlauletta.bsky.social on the welcome news for a growing, yet restricted NWSL:
equalizersoccer.com/2026/01/12/h...
Heaps move a welcome reversal of recent USWNT trend
During Heaps' previous tenure in the NWSL with the Portland Thorns, she was arguably the league's best player and biggest star. Her return inspires hope for the league amid a wave of high-profile depa...
equalizersoccer.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:06 AM
It is *something* that Heaps, a starter at Lyonnes, opted to return, but...
1. As @838carlisle.bsky.social said, NWSL is losing stars before/in their prime. Heaps doesn't address that.
2. A return home. It's fortunate for NWSL that Heaps is from Denver, not Albuquerque or Minneapolis or elsewhere.
1. As @838carlisle.bsky.social said, NWSL is losing stars before/in their prime. Heaps doesn't address that.
2. A return home. It's fortunate for NWSL that Heaps is from Denver, not Albuquerque or Minneapolis or elsewhere.
Preseason can start on Wednesday. Break between the regular season and playoffs. Uninterrupted playoffs.
2026 NWSL Competition Calendar is up. One change since the "2026 Schedule Footprint" announcement in July is Decision Day has been shifted from the weekend of October 31st-1st to October 24th-25th. Two weeks off to the NWSL Quarterfinals and no FIFA windows affecting the postseason.
January 12, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Preseason can start on Wednesday. Break between the regular season and playoffs. Uninterrupted playoffs.
It’s bad enough the nwsl keeps losing talent but teams are letting the WSL underpay for said talent.
Happened with Alyssa and now with Coffey.You can honor a players wish and get proper compensation. Theres not that many top DM’s and her contract had two years remaining. This is theft. Be better
Happened with Alyssa and now with Coffey.You can honor a players wish and get proper compensation. Theres not that many top DM’s and her contract had two years remaining. This is theft. Be better
Multiple sources tell me and @emilyskeogh.bsky.social that the final *base* transfer fee for Coffey from Manchester City to the Portland Thorns is $875,000, plus potential performance add-ons in the future. #NWSL #USWNT
Manchester City is finalizing a transfer with the #NWSL's Portland Thorns for #USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey.
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
January 12, 2026 at 2:50 PM
It’s bad enough the nwsl keeps losing talent but teams are letting the WSL underpay for said talent.
Happened with Alyssa and now with Coffey.You can honor a players wish and get proper compensation. Theres not that many top DM’s and her contract had two years remaining. This is theft. Be better
Happened with Alyssa and now with Coffey.You can honor a players wish and get proper compensation. Theres not that many top DM’s and her contract had two years remaining. This is theft. Be better
How many games did Mal play with Ludmila? It couldn’t have been that many. Interested to see Chicago’s next moves to strengthen the squad. They still have some roster spots
January 10, 2026 at 4:09 PM
How many games did Mal play with Ludmila? It couldn’t have been that many. Interested to see Chicago’s next moves to strengthen the squad. They still have some roster spots
Either the Spirit are trying to be GK FC or there’s going to be more transfers ( loans, transfers, hopefully not injuries) .
The Washington Spirit has signed goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko from Vanderbilt University to a one-year contract, the club announced today. Wojdelko begins her professional career in DC as the Spirit’s first 2026 rookie signing.
January 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Either the Spirit are trying to be GK FC or there’s going to be more transfers ( loans, transfers, hopefully not injuries) .
Thorns 🤝Angel City ownership not knowing the market value of players
The reported fee of $800k for Sam Coffey is way too low #BAONPDX
If this is around the final amount, it’s an even bigger loss for Portland Thorns.
She has two years remaining on the contract.
For a world class talent of her caliber and stature, it’s an absolutely awful return.
#NWSL #USWNT
If this is around the final amount, it’s an even bigger loss for Portland Thorns.
She has two years remaining on the contract.
For a world class talent of her caliber and stature, it’s an absolutely awful return.
#NWSL #USWNT
Manchester City is finalizing a transfer with the #NWSL's Portland Thorns for #USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey.
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
January 9, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Thorns 🤝Angel City ownership not knowing the market value of players
This. The thorns should absolutely demand more. 800k is simply too low. It would be a failure of Agoos and the thorns ownership if they don’t negotiate more.
In the context of the Grace Geyoro transfer fee (which was, it turned out, more like $1.34 million in the end), this is absolute theft from Man City
Manchester City is finalizing a transfer with the #NWSL's Portland Thorns for #USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey.
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
Sources say the fee will be at least $800K, possibly higher when final. Coffey is flying to England, terms agreed, wants to experience Europe.
@tomjgarry.bsky.social w/1st report of talks
January 9, 2026 at 3:09 AM
This. The thorns should absolutely demand more. 800k is simply too low. It would be a failure of Agoos and the thorns ownership if they don’t negotiate more.
Reposted by NWSL Notes
i swear so many people in the nwsl think fans are stupid
It’s so wild that they have a sporting director who has worked in woso for decades and has all these contacts, but the owner is like “I went to college with this guy” and thinks that’s not unprofessional and irresponsible
January 8, 2026 at 9:59 PM
i swear so many people in the nwsl think fans are stupid
Reposted by NWSL Notes
Chicago Stars FC want to play at the new Ryan Field at Northwestern starting in 2027 for at least five years & have filed paperwork with Evanston to do so. Sources have told me this is a temporary measure as the club still wants it own stadium #WithTheStars #NWSL evanstonnow.com/womens-pro-s...
Women's pro soccer team wants to play at new Ryan Field - Evanston Now
Will file "unique usage permit" request with city.
evanstonnow.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:10 AM
Chicago Stars FC want to play at the new Ryan Field at Northwestern starting in 2027 for at least five years & have filed paperwork with Evanston to do so. Sources have told me this is a temporary measure as the club still wants it own stadium #WithTheStars #NWSL evanstonnow.com/womens-pro-s...
🙃
"It was pretty humbling because we had a lot of inbound calls from a lot of highly capable individuals as we did not use a search firm." -Chris Long on the coaching search (? from Jillian Carroll)
January 9, 2026 at 2:21 AM
🙃