As the NWSL explodes to 16 teams, players face a brutal new schedule and the return of turf debates. Media day reveals a league at a crossroads, balancing explosive growth with the physical toll on its stars.
The National Women’s Soccer League is on an unprecedented trajectory, a fact underscored by the electric atmosphere at NWSL media day in Los Angeles. The league’s rapid evolution from nine teams in 2019 to a powerhouse of 16 in 2026 is not just a statistic; it’s a lived reality for the players who now face more games, more travel, and more pressure than ever before.
This season welcomes two ambitious new franchises: Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, ready to write their inaugural chapters. The expansion doesn’t stop there, with Atlanta set to become the 17th club and the league reportedly eyeing an 18th team by 2028. This growth is fueled by a surge in popularity for women’s sports, creating a golden era but also a significant challenge: managing an increasingly grueling workload for its athletes.
The Grind: More Games, More Glory, More Pressure
“It’s definitely a grind, but that’s why we signed up for this job,” said Boston Legacy FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy, reflecting on the league’s packed calendar. “You definitely know what you’re getting into. Being a professional athlete, you’re gonna play a ton of games, you’re gonna work hard and you’re gonna practice a lot.”
For Seattle Reign forward Emeri Adames, the intense schedule is a familiar rhythm from her youth club days. “It’s fun to do that again,” she shared. “I love playing games. More opportunities. More opportunities to see more fans.” While Adames finds joy in the frequency, she also emphasized the importance of the offseason and midseason breaks for resetting and rejuvenating.
The physical toll, however, is a serious concern. Angel City FC right back Gisele Thompson highlighted the stark difference between playing as a high schooler and competing at the professional level. The sheer physicality of the NWSL exposed her body to stresses she hadn’t managed before, leading to injuries in 2025. A pivotal moment came during an international tournament when USWNT head coach Emma Hayes pulled her aside. “You’re going to need your body to be healthy because you have three games over such a small time period,” Hayes told her. That conversation, Thompson said, finally clicked, motivating her to prioritize her health to compete at an elite level.
Turf Wars: The Surfaces Divide
With expansion comes another contentious issue: playing surfaces. The addition of Boston Legacy and Denver Summit means two more teams will primarily call artificial turf home, joining Seattle and Portland. While Boston will use Gillette Stadium’s grass initially, they will play some games at Centreville Bank Stadium on turf this summer.
The debate over grass versus turf is a constant in the NWSL, and players have strong feelings. “It’s just something you get used to. As a pro, you have to be able to play on both,” Murphy, who has experience on both surfaces, admitted. “Obviously, I prefer grass as a goalkeeper. It’s a little nicer to dive on, not as much turf burn. But you know, it is what it is.”
Chicago Stars FC forward Ivonne Chacón was unequivocal. “Natural grass, clearly,” she stated. “With turf, it’s complicated, but I prefer grass.” Adames, who plays on turf at Seattle’s Lumen Field, is more pragmatic, noting the main difference is turf burn from falls. However, her teammate Mia Fishel sees the upcoming installation of a grass field at Lumen Field for the 2026 men’s World Cup as a massive advantage. “We want to play on grass,” Fishel said. “Because on our bodies, it’s better. We train on grass. So it’s an adjustment from going from grass to turf. So it’d be a huge advantage to have our fans there and to have grass.”
A League Forged in Competition
This growth and debate are unfolding against a backdrop of intense on-field competition. The NWSL has a rich history of champions, with recent years seeing a changing of the guard. In 2025, Gotham FC claimed the NWSL Championship, while the Washington Spirit took home the Challenge Cup. This dynamic continues a trend of parity, with teams like the Portland Thorns, North Carolina Courage, and Kansas City Current all leaving their mark on the league’s trophy case.
As the league expands, the players’ message is clear: they are ready for the challenge. They are embracing the opportunity, the spotlight, and the chance to build a league that is not just bigger, but better, safer, and more successful for generations to come. The NWSL is no longer just growing; it’s thriving.
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