The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your NWSL Team in 2026

Quick Facts:

• NWSL 2026 season kicks off March 13th with 16 teams and 248 regular season matches, newly expanded league brings action-packed storylines from opening day
• San Diego Wave FC's Catarina Marcario reportedly signed a record-breaking 5-year, $8M guaranteed deal: the most total money ever in a women's pro soccer contract
• Defending champions Gotham FC return stacked (Rose Lavelle, Midge Purce, Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett) while #1-ranked Kansas City Current added Croix Bethune to their dynasty-chasing roster after winning the 2025 Shield

Mar 21, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half against Bay FC at PayPal Park. Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

March brings madness, and we’re not just talking about basketball, women’s sports fans. The NWSL season kicks off Friday, March 13th, and it won’t start slow. With a newly expanded 16 teams to follow and 248 regular season matches to watch, there will be action packed storylines right from the jump. If you are a seasoned NWSL fan you probably already have Rivalry Week circled on your calendar and your signature scarf hanging by the door. But if you’re new to the league all of this could feel a little overwhelming! We’re here with one of our signature vibe checks, to give you a little lowdown on each team and tell you who you might want to follow this season.

First and foremost we want to get you to a game! There is nothing like this action in person. So first we’ve broken down the teams by region (ish! Don’t come for me!), and then we’ll get into the personality and personnel.

You’re a west coast girlie

1. Angel City FC: I mean, you’re from LA. Pretty much enough said. ACFC is your team if you’re into the pretty pink and the flawless vibes. You’re a celebrity but you’re, like, cool about it. But don’t think fashion-forward means your girls aren’t here to play. Whether you’re a fan of veteran defender Emily Sams, young phenoms like Gisele Thompson or international talent like Prisca Chilufya, the ACFC roster is stacked to compete.
2. Bay FC: You’re rooted in American women’s soccer history with founders royalty Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner at the helm. But this season, Bay FC is your club if you’re looking for a rebuild. After a historic first season in 2024, 2025 wasn’t your year. You’ve got a new coaching staff steered by Emma Coates, who is famous for developing young talent. You’ve got fireworks in midfield with Claire Hutton, who’ll look to help lead the young squad this season.
3. Portland Thorns FC: You don’t want a rebuild or young guns, you want tried and true excellence. The Thorns have been a postseason team all but one year of their existence with 3 NWSL titles (the most of any club). With a new coach in Robert Vilahamn and some key exits, Thorns fans may be a little uneasy about the season ahead. But never fear, Sophia Wilson and Olivia Moultrie are here to help keep the Thorns doing Thorn things.
4. San Diego Wave FC: You’re a beach town babe. You’re looking fresh in my personal favorite 2026 kit. You’ve had some real success but you’re hunting for the trophy. And don’t look now, but your club is making some… waves. As of writing, UWSNT forward Catarina Marcario has reportedly signed a record-breaking deal with San Diego. It’s a 5-year, $8 million guaranteed deal that represents the most total money ever in a woman’s pro soccer contract. So if you’re all about money and breaking records? Give these girls a wave.
5. Seattle Reign: You’re classy, you’re classic, you don’t ever want things to change. Well, maybe a fresh set of threads wouldn’t hurt? The Reign’s roster looks largely the same as it did last year, with powerhouses like Jess Fishlock and Sofia Huerta holding court. But with goal scoring a tad on the low side last year, Seattle will be looking to new signing Brittany Ratcliffe to shake things up. But like, not too much.

You’re mountain magic

Mar 22, 2026; Sandy, Utah, USA; Utah Royals forward Lara Prasnikar (9) and San Diego Wave FC forward Dudinha (88) battle for possession in the second half at America First Field. Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

1. Utah Royals FC: You’re a fan of a good comeback story. The Royals were first established in 2017, before shutting down due to Covid and having their player assets moved to Kansas City. But then the club reformed in 2023, opening a new era for US Soccer Royalty. You’re a little off the beaten path because you might not have the biggest US names on your roster, but you’re looking forward to watching Japanese trio forward Mina Tanaka, midfielder Narumi Miura and defender Miyabi Moriya work some magic this season.
2. Denver Summit FC: You’re a hipster (do we say this anymore?), and you love jumping on a trend before it’s cool. Denver is one of the league’s brand new shiny expansion teams, and they aren’t just here to dip their toes in the water. This is a team with experience and star power. Vets Ally Brazier (forward) and Carson Pickett (defender) will be joined by superstar Lindsey Heaps later this year to lead a team that’s hungry to make an impact their first season.
   

You’re an east coaster

1. Boston Legacy FC: I am from Boston so I am biased but what’s not to love about this team? It’s Boston! Boston is a city rich in sports history and an NWSL team has been what’s missing from this hub (Well, also a WNBA team but let’s not get into that now). While the team is largely made up of newcomers and untested ballers, head coach Filipa Patao allegedly was like,“‘I want to win an effing championship. I am not here just to enter the league. I'm not here for a development year, we are here to win." So get on that bandwagon, and be the first to say, “How do you like them apples?” when it all pans out.
2. Gotham FC: You shine brightest when the stage is the biggest. Defending NWSL champions, they went into the playoffs as the number 8 seed. But the playoffs are win or go home, and the Bats represent the city that never goes home until the party is truly over. If you want to see some wins this year, watch Gotham. With stacked returners (think Rose Lavelle, Midge Purce, Jaedyn Shaw and Emily Sonnett) and key addition Savannah MacCaskill, a repeat could be in the cards.
3. Washington Spirit: You’re ready to get hurt again. (Maybe.) The Spirit have been to back to back championship games without lifting that coveted trophy. Kind of like if your toxic ex kept asking for a second chance, but the ex was the amazingly beautiful and talented Trinity Rodman and she was wearing a stunning cherry blossom jersey. So you say yes to just one more chance. Maybe this year will be your year.

You’re a southern belle

1. Houston Dash: You’re from Texas. Otherwise this probably isn’t your team. Houston hasn’t made the playoffs since 2023, and is still searching for their identity. If this is you, maybe Houston is your team and you can both find your identity together this year? Whatever that identity looks like, it will definitely feature Jane Campbell. The Dash’s captain and goalkeeper, Campbell has been with the Dash for almost a decade. With NWSL vet Makenzy Robbe joining Campbell on the pitch, this could be the year they surprise us all.
2. Orlando Pride: You’re the friend who never goes out, but when you do you’re buying drinks for the whole place and doing spontaneous karaoke on top of the bar. The Pride have only been to the playoffs 3 times in their history, but have 2 semifinals and one NWSL championship to their name. Perhaps because of your karaoke antics, you might be a legend of your friend group. If so, there are living legends on this team to impress any viewer. Look no further than Marta (10 year vet of the Pride) or Barbra Banda (2024 Champ MVP and Ballon d’Or finalist!).
3. North Carolina Courage: You’re ready for a makeover. You’ve been flirting with greatness the last couple of seasons, but messy men and close but not close enough have been seriously killing your vibe. Ugh. Now you have a new manager in Mak Lind who is “obsessed with scoring goals.” (Isn’t everyone? But I guess it’s like extra for him? Someone who understands football pls explain.) You also have a new goal keeper (Kailen Sheridan) who is obsessed with not letting the other team score goals so that should all work out nicely!

Mar 21, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Gotham FC forward Katie Stengel (28) looks to shoot the ball defended by North Carolina Courage defender Maycee Bell (25) during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

You’re a midwest mama

1. Racing Louisville FC: You’re one of one. Currently the only major professional women’s sports team in Kentucky, you shine like a diamond. And like a diamond, you know your worth even if you haven’t been mounted onto a championship ring yet. Racing Louisville’s identity has been young and fierce. Their fearless leader, Bev Yanez, was coach of the year last year and the first person ever to reach the playoffs both as a coach and a player. Her players believe in her system, and we do too. Yee haw!
2. Kansas City Current: You’re looking for the next dynasty. Last year it looked as though no one could catch Kansas City. The Shield Winners (most regular season wins) in 2025 looked unbeatable until they were upset by the Playoff Princesses Gotham FC. This year, despite the disappointing end to last season, KC is still ranked #1 by pretty much everyone. With the addition of Croix Bethune to an already dangerous roster, the Current won’t be happy with playoffs this year. They are going all the way, are you in?
3. Chicago Stars FC: You’re looking for a bounce back. Gone through a tough breakup? Throw your lot in with the Stars, because it can only go up from here, baby. With a last place finish in both 2023 and 2025, the Stars have done a little retooling to the roster. One of the key signings has been Canadian forward Jordan Huitema. Combining Jordan with Mal Swanson back from maternity leave and brick wall Alyssa Naeher, I know I’ve said it could be a lot of teams’ years this year but… why not Chicago’s?

The TLDR is that you can’t go wrong with any of these clubs. Every match and matchup this year will give you drama, goals, glamour and girl power. Pick your favorite kit, pick your favorite player, or don’t pick! Watch ‘em all! We can’t wait for all the NWSL action this year will bring.

About Parity, a Group 1001 Company
Parity is a women’s sports consultancy focused on professional women athlete partnerships. With a mission to close the gender income gap in sports and beyond, Parity connects brands with a diverse network of more than 1,400 women’s sports athletes across 85+ sports, including 300+ Olympians and Paralympians. Through sponsorship activations, content collaborations, and strategic advisory, Parity helps brands authentically engage the most trusted voices in sports today. For more information, visit www.paritynow.co, or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.