Women's soccer league lengthens 2027 season to capitalize on World Cup interest

The NWSL announced a longer 2027 season starting in February, with a two-month break for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The league aims to attract new fans from the tournament, but faces challenges like player health and cold-weather matches. Commissioner Jessica Berman says the schedule is designed to put the league at the center of a historic year for women's soccer.

The 2027 NWSL campaign will open February 11, with preseason training beginning in early January—just six weeks after the 2026 championship, marking the shortest offseason in league history. The regular season runs through October 31, with the title match set for November 20. Play pauses from June 24 to July 25 for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

League data shows attendance averaging over 11,000 per match, up 10% year-over-year, while social media following grew 24% to 3.1 million across platforms. An estimated 138 NWSL players will join national team rosters for the tournament. Cold-weather markets like Chicago, Denver, and Boston present scheduling hurdles, though league officials point to geographic diversity and warm-weather venues as workable solutions.