NWSL to Launch 2027 Season Early to Accommodate World Cup

WHO:

NBC Connecticut - Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner, discussed the impact of the men's World Cup on the league's strategy.

Goal.com - Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner, emphasized the league's strategy to leverage the Super Bowl weekend for increased visibility.

Goal.com - Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner

NBC Connecticut - Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner

WHAT:

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL's average attendance to date is 11,174 per game, which is the second-highest behind 2024's average of 11,249.

NBC Connecticut - The league had nearly 40 million impressions on social media with the Summer of Soccer tour hashtag, #NWSLOnTour.

Goal.com - The NWSL will kick off its 2027 season at BMO Stadium on February 11, coinciding with Super Bowl weekend.

NBC Connecticut - The league's 15th season will open on February 11, 2027, marking the earliest start in NWSL history.

NBC Connecticut - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) will kick off its 2027 season on February 11, more than a month earlier than the current season.

NBC Connecticut - The annual Challenge Cup match will be played on February 6, 2027.

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL will pause from June 24 to July 25, 2027, during the Women's World Cup.

NBC Connecticut - The playoffs will start on November 5, 2027, and the league championship will be played on November 20, 2027.

Goal.com - Berman stated, "We know that major tournaments inspire millions of people to follow the sport."

NBC Connecticut - The league's average attendance to date is 11,174 per game, the second-highest behind 2024's average of 11,249.

WHERE:

NBC Connecticut - The Women's World Cup will be held in Brazil.

WHEN:

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL's 2027 season will start on February 11, 2027.

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL will pause from June 24 to July 25, 2027.

NBC Connecticut - The playoffs will start on November 5, 2027, and the league championship will be played on November 20, 2027.

WHY:

NBC Connecticut - Berman stated that the league appears to be benefitting from the so-called World Cup bump, with increased viewership and engagement following the men's tournament.

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL is starting its season earlier to accommodate the Women's World Cup.

Goal.com - Berman mentioned the intention to capitalize on the increased attention around the sport due to major tournaments.

HOW:

NBC Connecticut - Berman mentioned that the NWSL plans to work closely with ESPN to ensure the league is integrated into Super Bowl weekend stories.

NBC Connecticut - The NWSL plans to work closely with ESPN to integrate the league into Super Bowl weekend stories, as ABC is broadcasting the 2027 Super Bowl.

Goal.com - The NWSL will work closely with ESPN to ensure the league is integrated into Super Bowl weekend stories.

Jessica Berman, the commissioner of the NWSL, highlighted how the men's World Cup is influencing the league's strategy, noting an uptick in viewership and engagement thanks to what she calls the World Cup bump. The NWSL is currently enjoying an average attendance of 11,174 per game, making it the second-highest in league history, just behind last year's average of 11,249, while also racking up nearly 40 million impressions on social media with the hashtag #NWSLOnTour. Looking ahead, Berman shared that the league plans to collaborate closely with ESPN to ensure it is featured in stories surrounding Super Bowl weekend.